POLICE are hunting a gunman who shot one cat dead and injured another.

Both animals were shot at close range on a Teesside housing estate.

One attack, described by a local vet as an execution, resulted in the death of a cat which was hit in the back of its neck.

An 18-month-old long-haired, black and white cat, called Fluffy, was found by owner Lucy Spoor, lying on the ground near the French windows of her home in Caldey Gardens, Ingleby Barwick, on Wednesday, June 26.

The animal, which was still clinging to life, died from extensive injuries despite intensive treatment by a veterinary surgeon.

In the second attack, which took place over the weekend, a nine-month-old kitten called Dec was shot in the hind quarters, near the home of its owner, Adam Woodland, of Florence Court, Ingleby Barwick.

Mr Woodland said: "They say it was either a very, very powerful gun or he was shot at point blank range.

"Whoever did this clearly has no brains. Thankfully Dec shouldn't be permanently damaged, but I would still like to get my hands on the guilty person."

Police say the attacks were almost certainly carried out by the same gunman.

PC Kevin Stockley, appealing for help in tracing the attacker, said: "It is sad but there is a sick person out there who has deliberately targeted these cats.

"Both have been shot with a .22 air weapon.

"In Fluffy's case we think someone may have held it down as it was shot in the neck. It was shot at very close range and suffered.

"Dec, the other cat, was also shot at close range."

It is thought that other pets which have disappeared in the area could also have fallen victim to the gunman.

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at Thornaby police station between 8am and 10pm on (01642) 302810.