Police are appealing for information and witnesses after a cat was shot in a residential neighbourhood.

On Wednesday April 14, a pet owner living in the Deacons Hill Road area of Elstree, noticed their cat seemed unwell after it had been outside earlier in the day.

The following day, they brought their cat to the vets where he was later admitted to an animal hospital.

X-rays were carried out and these confirmed that the cat had been shot, likely with an air rifle.

The cat sustained serious injuries but police say it will survive.

PC Darren Arbuthnott, from the Borehamwood and Elstree safer neighbourhood team, said: "Thankfully the cat is going to be ok but he suffered an infected spleen and stomach where the bullet travelled though.

"This incident has caused huge distress to the cat’s owner, not to mention a very expensive vet bill.

"We believe the cat must have been shot at some point during Wednesday 14 April in the vicinity of Deacons Hill Road/Nicholas Road. Were you in the area? Did you see what happened or spot something unusual? If so, please get in touch.

"I’m also keen for any dash cam owners driving through the area at the time, to take a look at their footage and make contact if you spot something suspicious.

"Any information you have, no matter how small it might seem, could be vital to our investigation. Please get in touch by calling the non-emergency number 101 or email me at darren.arbuthnott@herts.pnn.police.uk quoting crime reference 41/28190/21."

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.