THANET police say they fear someone is going to be seriously hurt after a spate of air and BB gun attacks in the area.

They have warned that as well as the public being shot at, anyone seen waving an airgun risks being shot by an armed response unit.

Thanet's police chief Supt Penny Martin said she wants the public to realise that the guns are not toys and can cause serious harm and distress.

During August alone three people and a cat have been hurt in what are thought to be unrelated incidents.

On August 1, 53-year-old Jenny Walsh was shot in the face as she walked along Grange Road, Ramsgate, and was badly buised. On the same day a 14-year-old boy was hit in the thigh in Haine Road.

The following day a cat was shot in the Mount Pleasant area of Minster and on August 3 a 54-year-old man was hit in the chest in Cobbs Place, Margate.

Supt Martin said: "Luckily none of these incidents resulted in serious injury, but the woman could quite easily have been blinded."

She stressed: "You cannot go around using people for target practice."

So far no one has been arrested over any of the incidents, but police are asking the public to remain vigilant and report anyone misusing the weapons. They also want parents to realise the power of the weapons and make sure any use is supervised.

Supt Martin also spoke to KM-fm's Ally Barnard about the problem...