Trigger-happy thugs have been blamed for a spate of cat killings in Braintree.

Three missing cats have been found dead and another had to be put to sleep after a gang used them for airgun target practice.

The cats - all from the Mountbatten Road area of Braintree - disappeared more than a week ago.

They were found at the weekend just yards away from their devastated owners' homes on the other side of the River Blackwater.

The first cat, a long-haired tortoiseshell called Molly, was found dead and covered in mud by the owners' daughter as she walked the family dog. The pet's collar had been removed.

Molly had been with the family - who do not want to be named - for more than seven years.

Molly's owner said: "She never went far. It was raining when she went out. My wife tried to get her back in but she had gone. We never saw her again."

Two more cats were later found in a nearby drainage ditch.

"They were curled up in two inches of water as though they were asleep," said Molly's owner. Both animals were dead.

A fourth victim was left critically ill after it was seen staggering around injured, close to where the other grisly discoveries were made.

X-rays revealed the cat had an airgun pellet lodged in its mouth. It is believed the animal has now been destroyed to end its suffering.

Both the RSPCA and Braintree police are investigating the incidents. Police spokesman Steve Turner confirmed they had all been shot.

He said: "It would have to be a particularly sick and callous individual who would shoot people's pets."

He said those responsible could be charged with animal cruelty offences if caught and appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

Parents of children with airguns are also being urged to make sure their youngsters are not taking pot shots at animals.

The attacks come just months after a spate of sickening pet killings on estates around Braintree in which cats, rabbits and guinea pigs were all targeted around Christmas.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Braintree police on 01376 551312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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