A family cat has lost its right eye after being shot in the head by a sniper.

One-year-old black and white Cleo was discovered laying in a front garden near the home of the Gibbs family in Ramsgate with a bullet lodged in her skull.

It is the second time in months that the pet has been shot by an air rifle - last time the bullet struck the left side of Cleo’s face.

Mary Gibbs said the family cat - which belongs to her daughter Jade - was in Avenue Gardens near their home in Trinity Place off Hereson Road.

Mrs Gibbs said: “The aim was quite precise and I do not consider that it was an accident. This has the hallmark of a deliberate shooting and I fear for other animals in our area.

“Cleo is lucky to be alive - as it is the bullet is lodged in her head and cannot be removed.”

“I would urge anyone with information about the shootings to contact the police. I would also advise pet owners to be vigilant.”

The Gibbs family have thanked the neighbour who cared for Cleo and the RSPCA for contributing to considerable vets bills for treatment to the cat in the last year.

If you have any information, contact PC Wendy Bradley 07980 770683 or Thanet police headquarters 01843 231055.

For full story, see this week's Thanet Extra, out Wednesday.