Charlie the cat had to be put down after being shot by an air rifle in Herne Bay

A family has been left devastated after their cat had to be put down when he was repeatedly shot with an air rifle.

Ginger tom cat Charlie suffered a broken leg in the attack in Herne Bay.

An x-ray (pictured below) revealed the family pet had been shot four times - leaving one of his legs shattered.

Charlie's injuries were so severe that he had to be put down by a vet.

PC Alan Porter, from Kent Police, said: "This was a cruel and unnecessary attack on a pet cat, causing significant upset for his family.

"Given the number of wounds it would appear that whoever did this purposely fired at Charlie using him as a target.

"I urgently need to speak to this person and would ask anyone with information that will help me identify them to get in touch."

An x-ray revealed Charlie the cat was shot four times in Herne Bay

The attack happened in the Callard Close and Mickleburgh Avenue area of Herne Bay at some time between the morning of Monday, September 3 and about 5pm on Tuesday, September 4.

Anyone with information is asked to phone PC Alan Porter on 101, quoting crime reference ZY/25026/12, or Crimestoppers, anonymous, on 0800 555 111.