RSPCA inspectors fear family pets are being targeted around Colchester after a spate of cat shootings.

Three reports have been made to the animal charity in the last month and now RSPCA inspector Caroline Richardson-Braun is asking for the public's help.

She said: "I’m massively concerned that there have been three similar incidents in such a short space of time and in such close proximity to one another.

"This seems to be becoming almost a weekly occurrence, all in villages around the Colchester area."

Insp Richardson-Braun was called to an incident on April 22 after an owner thought their pet, Alfie, had been hit by a car in West Bergholt.

But when vets operated on Alfie’s broken leg, they found a pellet and the incident was reported to the RSPCA as a possible shooting.

That incident followed the shooting of three-year-old Puss-Puss, who was found covered in blood with 30 pellet wounds in Jubilee Lane, Ardleigh, on April 8.

An x-ray revealed the black and white pet had suffered 30 separate pellet injuries.

Miraculously, Puss-Puss survived but had to have an eye removed.

That incident is being investigated by RSPCA inspector Adam Jones.

He said: "We were shocked to find that Puss-Puss was peppered with such an extraordinary number of pellet wounds all over her body and head.

"She would have been incredibly distressed and in a lot of pain and we want to do all we can to stop such a callous act happening again."

The two incidents are in addition to the attack on Roger, a black 15 year-old cat, who was shot and killed in Wick Road, Great Bentley.

CCTV showed the beloved family pet convulsing on the ground having been shot.

The footage shows a lamping vehicle pull up with two people getting out, before one stamps on the cat, picks up the body and throws him into a field.

That investigation is now being led by Essex Police. Anyone with information should contact PC Rebecca Hanlon at Clacton police station on 101.

Information on any of the incidents can be passed to the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.