POLICE have renewed appeals for help to track down yobs behind fatal air gun attacks on cats in Nursling and Rownhams.

A six-year-old tabby cat named Toby died from his injuries despite desperate attempt by vets to save him.

He was shot while in the Hillyfields area and another cat was seriously injured at Nutshalling Avenue and like Toby had to be put to sleep.

Both attacks happened last month. Appealing for witnesses, PC Clair Bates said: “We are appealing to residents to come forward if they’ve seen or especially if they’ve heard anything suspicious in the last few weeks in these areas.

“These are traumatic events for both the animals and their owners. Both cats received veterinary medical treatment. Puncture wounds were discovered and pellets found inside their bodies, sadly due to their injuries they had to be put to sleep.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Bates at Romsey Police Station on 101.