YOUTHS throwing balloons full of hot water at a cat are driving its owner to the end of her tether.

Police are investigating after Niki Griffiths said six-year-old Amber had been attacked by the gang every day for a fortnight.

The social worker wants more police on the streets to stop the young hooligans.

Mrs Griffiths, of Toftdale Green, Warndon Villages, said she noticed water on her front window every morning when she returned from taking her daughter to school. She also found burst balloons outside the house.

On Friday, she returned home a few minutes earlier than normal and caught the offenders in the act.

"I saw three boys in royal blue sweatshirts," she said. "They came past the house and threw a balloon full of hot water towards where my cat sits and waits to come in."

She chased the boys, but they ran to a nearby bus stop and jumped on a bus before she could catch them.

It is not the first time the cat has been targeted, having been shot in the neck with an airgun pellet about a year ago.

"I'm getting to the end of my tether," said Mrs Griffiths. "Something should be done about it. There's so much petty crime around here."

She believed the youngsters - aged 14 or 15 - were local because the water was still hot when they arrived at her house.

"I'm horrified. They've obviously seen the cat and decided they're going to target her. I'm going to keep her inside now."

A Worcester police spokesman said an investigation had been started. Officers wanted to hear from witnesses with any information relating to the incident.

Residents with details are asked to contact Worcester police on 08457 444888.