The mother of a teenage girl shot with a catapult says the latest attack to hit her community is "a huge concern".

Several people from the Kemsley area of Sittingbourne have witnessed others using the weapon in streets across the area in recent weeks.

One victim, 13-year-old Ruby Gasson, suffered severe bruising to her leg when she was shot last Tuesday evening near Grovehurst Avenue.

Another resident, Sarah Mitchell, woke to discover her car window smashed and two ball bearings sitting in the vehicle outside her Taillour Close home.

A police statement issued before the two incidents confirmed officers were aware of an increase in catapult-related crimes and were working to identify those responsible.

However, mum Georgina Cooke believes stronger action needs to be taken to prevent further injuries like the one inflicted on her daughter, Ruby.

The 32-year-old said: "Ruby's leg is aching due to the bruising and it's made her feel awful.

"Her mental health isn't great either as she already has anxiety when she goes out alone, and has been attacked once by a group of girls just for talking to a friend before.

"So it is a huge concern – we are allowing housing to be built which is bringing a bigger population to the town, and the roads and schools can't cope and there isn't any policing.

“I don't think you can walk into Sittingbourne Police Station at a desk now as it's all online.

"I do believe kids should face harsh punishments because a slap on the wrist doesn't seem to make an effect.”

It is not illegal to own a catapult in public in England, with an arrest only possible if it is clear one has been used to cause damage or harm.

However, Mrs Mitchell, who could be without her car for up to a fortnight because of the damage, believes those committing the offences do not realise the "trauma" they are creating.

"It's made me feel victimised and angry, because the person has so obviously made a beeline for my car and then got no idea of the hassle, expense and trauma this has caused,” the 52-year-old added.

"I also feel frustrated – it's meant my car has been off the road nearly a week, possibly two, as we're waiting for Autoglass to come and repair the window, but they can't do it straightaway because the mechanism inside has broken.

"So we're all trapped at home, including my son who is home from university, and that's how it feels when you're used to having the freedom and use of a car.

"It will cost £115 excess for glass cover, an estimated £80 for a new mechanism and about £150 to fit it – money I haven't got for this unexpected, thoughtless damage.

"The kid has also got away with it without probably giving a second thought, and what kind of parents bring children up to believe this is an okay thing to do?

"So the punishments need to be bigger – this kind of action will just get worse because there is no deterrent. The police have been less than helpful.

“They were very sympathetic, but they weren't interested in the ball bearings we found that the kid used, and are making no attempt to do anything at all except putting me in touch with victim support.

“What exactly do I pay my taxes for when the police don't care my car was targeted in this way and make no effort to even bother to visit?”

Kent Police has confirmed it is investigating.

The incidents come just weeks after two cats were shot, including one fatally, in Newington – something not missed by others nearby.

Commenting on Facebook, one person said: “I hope something is done about it – there have been so many reports of catapults being used recently to kill and injure our wildlife, but it's the first time I've heard of cars being targeted. It feels like we're fast losing control of our communities.”

Meanwhile, another resident added: “The same thing happened to our car a couple of weeks ago.”

Kemsley ward councillor Ashley Wise (Lab) says the latest attacks are becoming more troubling.

He explained: “It’s bad enough cars are being attacked, but for it to be people now too is just really concerning.

“It’s never been acceptable, but it really can’t go on any longer and that’s why every incident needs to be reported to the police.

“I also know it’s not just isolated to Kemsley – there are other areas in Sittingbourne too which have seen this.

“So it’s a big issue and a strong message needs to be sent out ahead of the summer holidays.”