Police are hunting for a suspected cat killer after a beloved pet was targeted with a slingshot.

Officers have released CCTV images of a person they believe may have important information about the attack.

Molly the cat was found dead in Gravesend on Thursday, April 4, prompting her owner, Meghan Strong, to warn others that "we live in a dangerous world".

Her body was discovered at the entrance of the alleyway in Mark Lane, which runs to Dering Way in Denton.

A post-mortem revealed that her injuries were caused by a ball bearing from a sling shot, after what was originally thought to be a dog attack.

Miss Strong, 22, from Denton, received a call from Animals Lost and Found in Kent after a good Samaritan handed over Molly's body.

She said: "The passerby saw a group of four or five boys with a ginger, brown and white springer spaniel.

"They said the boys looked like they were up to no good and the dog appeared to have something hanging out of its mouth.

"As they approached them, one of the boys shouted a command to the dog to drop what was in its mouth and then another boy kicked it under a bush and they all ran off down another path."

An autopsy, carried out at the Northfleet branch of the Shrubbery Veterinary Group, also revealed the dog picked Molly up with such force that her organs were pushed into the left side of her body.

The retail assistant added: "I heard the news, my heart broke and I felt sick to my stomach.

"Losing a pet is always hard, but losing a pet in the way that we did, brings a type of pain and sadness that I can’t describe."

The matter is being investigated by PC Peter Morgan, who said: "This was a cruel and callous act which has left the cat's owners devastated.

"We are working with closely with the RSPCA as part of the investigation and I am keen to hear from anyone who may can help us identify this man, who we believe can help us with our enquiries."

Witnesses or anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting crime reference 46/67204/19.

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend