A cat is in a serious condition after being shot with a suspected airgun.

The animal, called Byron, needed veterinary treatment having been hit in the Tatler Close area of Lordswood.

Kent Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

PC Debbie Trowell said: "We take incidents such as this very seriously. This was a mindless act of violence against a defenceless animal and I would encourage anyone who knows about this incident or knows of people using pellet guns in this way to contact Kent Police immediately. "

Byron was hit with a pellet sometime during Monday, September 5, but details have only just been released by police.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to phone Kent Police on 01622 690690 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.