A GUNMAN has been shooting at cats in Wootton Bassett and one cat has been left fighting for its life after a pellet tore through his body puncturing the lung and piercing the diaphragm, stomach, pancreas and colon.

Two cats, both from Elm Park, are still being treated by vets for airgun pellet wounds after being shot within four days of each other. Police say two other cats have also been shot in the same area within the last six months, one of which was shot twice.

The owners of 11-month-old Thomas who may not survive his horrific injuries are sickened and outraged that their beloved pet has been targeted in such a cruel and senseless manner.

They did not want to be named for fear of reprisals on their three other cats but described the unknown gunman as a "sick and evil person."

Honey-ginger coloured Thomas was shot on Sunday morning less than ten minutes after his owners had let him out.

The senseless attack came just four days after Thomas's sister Tabs, who is owned by another family on Elm Park, was shot.

Sgt Andy Fortune said: "We're pretty sure the offender is local to that area and we have got someone in mind but we're looking for evidence and I'm sure someone, somewhere has seen or heard something, and we would urge them to get in contact."