A WORRIED mum fears for the safety of youngsters after thugs shot a third family pet in six months.

Mrs Lisette Hinde, of Sunny Field Road, has called in the police after two of her cats were shot at point-blank range within the space of a week in the latest incidents.

Frankie was shot in the eye in a horrific air-rifle attack two weeks ago while Grommitt turned up just days later with a pellet in his chest.

Meanwhile, Minstrel, who had one of his kidneys torn apart in a gun attack last Christmas, is missing and the family fear the worst.

Mrs Hinde, her husband Neil and their two children have eight cats. She fears a vendetta is being waged against the family and is worried over the safety of seven-year-old Lori and Joshua (8).

"Minstrel disappeared two weeks ago and there are rumours flying around that he was knocked down and somebody took the body away," she said. "Frankie then went missing and turned up three days later with his eye hanging out. We took him to the vet who X-rayed him and found that he had a bullet in his eye ball."

Grommitt was then shot hours later at point-blank range.

Mrs Hinde added: "The person would have needed to be so close that they were standing over him.

"There are other cats down our road but it seems to be just ours that are getting shot. I really do think it is odd. I am not comfortable letting my cats out any more.

"I am also worried as there are about 20 kids that play out there and somebody is wandering around with an air rifle.

"My little girl has said that there are some very sick people out there and asked 'Are they going to shoot us?'"

Inspector David Jones, of Prestwich Township Police, confirmed the shootings were being investigated.

"We take a particularly serious view when a firearm appears to have been used and want to hear from anyone who has information."

Contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111 or Insp Jones in confidence on 856 8201.

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