A pet cat had a lucky escape after being shot by an air rifle in Cromer.

The eight-year-old rescue named Arty had been outside for just half an hour before his devastated owner discovered the wound left by the pellet, which had ripped through his right shoulder and narrowly missed his lungs.

Arty, who was adopted from the RSPCA last year, was rushed to the vets to have the shot removed and is making a good recovery at home.

Animal welfare investigators from the charity, along with the police, are now appealing for information to the shooting to help them track down who carried out the 'concerning' attack.

RSPCA inspector Ben Kirby is leading the charity's investigation. He said: 'Arty was very lucky that the pellet did not cause more damage and we are very concerned that someone is taking pot shots at animals in the area.

'It is absolutely vital that if anyone saw anything suspicious or knows of anyone shooting at animals in the area that they come forward with information. People cannot be allowed to get away with causing such awful injuries.'

A number of pigeons were also reported to have been found dead in suspicious circumstances around the Warren Court area where Arty was shot.

? Anyone with information about the attack, which happened between 7am and 7.30am on Friday, September 2, should call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.