POLICE are appealing for information after a cat was shot with a crossbow bolt in Shepway area of Maidstone.

The male cat was seen safe and well by its owner at 10.30pm on Friday, June 30, but returned following morning at 6.30am with the 17inch bolt going through his eye and coming out the back of its head.

The owner called the RSPCA and the animal was taken to a local vet where it had to be put down due to the extent of its injuries.

Det Insp Kris Hill, of Mid Kent Police, said: "This was a nasty and thoughtless attack on a harmless animal. The photographs clearly illustrate the cruelty involved and I am eager to speak to anyone with any information relating to this incident, which officers from Maidstone CID and the RSPCA are jointly investigating”.

Any information that might assist in identifying the suspect for this offence, or the owner of the cross bow bolt, can be provided to Maidstone Police on 01622 604180. Alternatively you can call Crimestopperrs confidentially on 0800 555111.