A cat has been seriously injured after being shot with an air rifle.

The shooting is thought to have happened in the St Mary's or Clatto areas of Dundee on Wednesday or Thursday.

Levi, a black and white cat, returned home in St Mary's injured after being struck by an air rifle.

The pellet was still in his body and was lodged in his lung.

Officers said the cat remains poorly and the pellet cannot be removed.

Owner Andy Ward said: "We took him to the vet, he got X-rayed and we found out somebody had shot him.

"One went through his liver, and got trapped behind his chest.

"They weren't able to remove the pellets, they're still in him."

Levi's family have posted messages on Facebook to make other animal owners aware, and it seems that other cats in the area have also been targeted.

"There are a few people that have come back that have come from St Marys," Mr Ward added.

"One woman said that her cat got shot and had to get a leg amputated.

"Another said her cat got shot in the eye and the pellet is still lodged in its skull."

Police officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward, and asked the public to be aware of people "bragging about it".

A spokesman said: "While we appreciate it is extremely unlikely that anyone would have actually seen this happen, someone in the area must know of a person or persons with an air weapon who could potentially have done this.

"If you have heard of anyone doing this and maybe bragging about it, we would urge you to do the right thing and tell us.

"This isn't something to be proud of and is actually despicable."