Max and Callum Rowan with injured cats Fudge and Toffee at their home in Ibsley. Picture by ROGER ELLIOTT DA5709P1ILLEGAL shooting near the Tarmac quarry near Ibsley has left two cats disfigured and disabled.

Fears have been raised that pets and wildlife are being injured as a result of "malicious shooting", or target practice.

And youngsters have been running amok brandishing ballbearing-style guns in Ringwood, causing damage to vehicles.

Hampshire police are investigating both incidents and appealing for witnesses.

Five-year-old Callum Rowan and his brother Max (eight) are upset after their cats, Fudge and Toffee, were shot just metres from their home.

Fudge was out when gunfire was heard on May 30 about 10.30pm near the lake restoration at the Tarmac quarry.

It was 24 hours later when Fudge finally dragged himself home in considerable pain and distress, suffering with a mutilated rear leg after being shot with an air rifle.

Just days before Fudge was shot, Toffee had to have half his tail amputated after he returned home wounded.

The brothers, who have nurtured the two ginger-and-white cats since they were kittens, are devastated that Fudge is now living temporarily in a cage and might not be able to walk on his leg.

Sue Rowan said: "We believe the incident is a result of illegal and possibly malicious shooting or target practice.

"It is possible that it was accidental, as the cats could have been mistaken for foxes, but as all relevant landowners were contacted, and none confirmed authorised shooting, it is likely the shooting was illegal.

"It was awful to find Fudge curled up hissing and growling at his own leg.

"These animals belong to my sons and obviously they are very upset. I am very angry at the irresponsibility of the behaviour of these people.

"There are lots of responsible people who shoot and belong to clubs, but someone has obtained firearms, possibly without a licence, and is using them in a public place.

"It would be terrifying if a birdwatcher or dog-walker was out in that area after dark and was shot."

Meanwhile in Ringwood between May 31 and June 2 two vehicles have been targeted by youths wielding guns who have caused damage to windows.

A visitor at St John's Church raised the alarm after hearing juveniles shoot the windscreen of a Ford Focus parked in the car park on June 1.

And a gun was fired at a Volvo 540 parked at Fairlie, Ringwood, on June 2, shattering the rear window.

Anyone with information about either incident is asked to contact Fordingbridge or Ringwood police, on 0845 0454545.