A family has been left heartbroken after their cat was kicked to death close to their home.

Police were called to Liz and Philip Atkins’ home in Shepway after a teenage boy found three-year-old Salum bleeding at the side of the road.

He told the owners he saw a group of older teenagers, thought to be aged around 18, launch a savage attack on the cat, kicking and trampling on it. The group then walked off up Gloucester Road, leaving the animal for dead.

Mrs Atkins said: “We had a knock at the door and when I opened it a boy was holding Salum. He had a bloody face and it was clear he had suffered some type of attack.

“I took him into my arms and he passed away. My five-year-old daughter was with me at the time and she just broke down in tears, she was devastated.

“She used to play with the cat and put it in her pram. She’s heartbroken and keeps asking me why people would do something so awful.”

The family alerted the RSPCA to the attack, which happened on the evening of Tuesday, November 10, before burying the pet in the garden.

Mr Atkins posted details of the attack on social media and it was shared by more than 630 people.

A veterinary assistant from the Mote Park Vets in Northumberland Court said there had been no other reported attacks on family pets in the recent months.

An RSPCA spokesman said: “We are concerned to hear about what sounds like a very distressing incident and are happy to help the police in any way.”

Animal rights charity PETA has since offered a reward of £1,000 for information leading to the arrests of those responsible.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call 101 or the RSPCA on 0300 123 0999.