AN angry Worcester man has warned a child could lose an eye if the person who shot a cat with an air rifle at point blank range is not caught.

Steve Mezzone, whose own cat Smokey almost died after being used as a target two years ago, said he is furious that another has been left for dead.

Karen Ault's six-year-old tabby, also called Smoky, has a pellet lodged in his body millimetres away from his heart after being shot at in Warndon Villages three weeks ago.

The devastated owner from Farundles Avenue was told by vets the pellet was too deep to operate and sent her home to pray he would recover.

But frustrated Mr Mezzone of adjacent Debdale Avenue said nothing was being done to catch the culprit, whom he believes lives nearby.

"It is very, very distressing when a pet is injured, especially when it is just an act of cruelty," he said.

"There is obviously someone in the close proximity to me and Miss Ault who gets pleasure out of hurting defenceless animals.

"If we can raise awareness, we can help prevent other pets and their owners going through the distress we have."

Mr Mezzone, who ended up in casualty himself as a 10-year-old when someone took a pot shot at him, and Miss Ault, have now demanded action from police.

"After Smokey was shot the police did not seem at all interested," Mr Mezzone said.

"These kinds of people are sick and dangerous and generally move on to bigger things.

"Is it going to take a child losing an eye before police take action, when the damage is done and somebody's life is ruined."

But Vicki Davies, spokeswoman for Worcester police, said investigations were underway and any information related to the attacks would be welcomed.

"It's hard to do anything more without further information," she said.

"But we are aware of the problem and are monitoring it closely."

Anyone with information should call Worcester police on 01905 723888 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.