A COUPLE whose cat died after it was shot near their home have appealed to neighbours to help track down those responsible.

Graham and Claire Bartlett have been left distraught by the death of Claude, their four-year-old grey chartreux cat.

Claude had been shot with an air weapon, between 1.30pm and 1.45pm on Tuesday. It managed to make its way back to their home in Chaplehope Close, Darlington, where it collapsed.

Since Claude's death, the couple have been knocking on doors and talking to people in the area in an effort to find the culprits.

Yesterday, The Northern Echo published a report about the attack, so Mr Bartlett bought 40 copies of the paper to post through the letter boxes of houses nearby.

He attached a note urging people to read the article and contact him or Darlington police if they had any information.

"It's too late for Claude, but if I can stop it happening to anybody else's pet, then I'll be happy," he said.

Anybody who has any information is urged to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.