A much-loved family pet kitten has died after being shot in a "callous and cruel" attack in Great Wakering.

Sweet-natured Edith was found by her devastated owners in their garden in Goldsworthy Drive, Great Wakering on Saturday October 1.

When they picked her up they discovered she had blood around her stomach.

Her worried owners immediately took her to a vet where sadly it was discovered she had been shot with an air gun and it had caused so much internal damage that the kindest thing to do was to put her to sleep to end her suffering.

Her owners, who do not wish to be named, have been left heartbroken by the cruel incident and now want to warn other pet owners in the area to be vigilant.

Tragically Edith was only a week away from turning one when she was shot.

Her family said she was a sweet, beautiful girl with an adorable personality.

Sadly, this is not the only report of a cat being shot in the area.

Last year another resident reported their cat had been shot in April.

The cat survived but needed thousands of pounds worth of veterinary treatment to his shattered leg.

RSPCA chief inspector Adam Jones said: “It is devastating to hear what happened to poor Edith and our hearts go out to her poor owners.

“This was a callous and cruel attack on a helpless and defenceless animal. We are investigating this and would urge anyone with information to call the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

The family have also reported the incident to the police.

The RSPCA is calling for tighter controls on air weapons and wishes to see better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun.

It also wants requirements that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop with an air gun.

Anyone caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can face up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine if found guilty under the relevant provisions of the Animal Welfare Act.