A FAMILY is devastated after its beloved cat was blinded after it was shot in the face with a pellet gun.

Poppy the cat’s devastated owners in Harrowgate Hill, Darlington, are devastated by the incident after vets were unable to remove the pellet.

The incident is believed to have happened in the Foxglove Close/ Glebe Road area of the town between 6.40am and 11am on Wednesday, March 9.

The family confirmed on Monday (March 14) evening that it had been confirmed that Poppy was blinded by the pellet.

Anyone who has any information is urged to contact police.

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The Northern Echo: Vets fear they will be unable to remove the pellet. Picture: Darlington PoliceVets fear they will be unable to remove the pellet. Picture: Darlington Police

A statement from Darlington Police read: “Poppy lives in the Harrowgate Hill area and was let outside between 6.40am and 11am last Wednesday, March 9.

“When she returned home her distraught owner found she had been shot in the face with what appears to be a pellet gun or something similar.

“Due to the location of the pellet, vets weren’t able to remove it and she may lose the sight in her eye as a result.

“The incident happened in the Foxglove Close / Glebe Road area.

“If you know of anyone who was acting suspiciously in the area at the time, or know who did this to Poppy, please get in touch with us.

“You can call Investigative Officer Melissa Shields with any information on 101, extension 207275, quoting incident number 196 of March 9.”

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