A second cat has died after being shot with an air rifle in two weeks.

Four-year-old Angel managed to drag herself to London Road, Brentwood, where her owners live, on Wednesday, May 13.

At first it was thought that the cat had been injured in a road accident but upon closer inspection a pellet hole was found in her left side.

The pellet had gone through Angel’s stomach and caused serious internal injuries.

She had to be put down to prevent further suffering.

The RSPCA is appealing for information, saying the shooting is the second in Essex this month – a cat called Wilma was killed on May 1 in Ongar.

RSPCA inspector Adam Jones said: “This attack happened less than two weeks and just a few miles from where Wilma was shot. It may have been the same person but sadly these attacks are becoming all too common so it may have been unrelated. Either way we urgently need to track down whoever was responsible.”

Anyone with information relating to the shootings can call the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.