RSPCA inspectors are trying to find a Darlington dog owner after a cat was attacked outside her owner’s home.

The cat, a two-year old female tabby called Lexie, died at the vets following the incident which happened at about 9pm on Haughton Road on November 2.

RSPCA inspector Clare Wilson is looking for a man who walked past the house with two small dogs on leads and a Lurcher-type dog walking ahead of him off the lead.

CCTV footage taken near the scene shows that the Lurcher-type dog appears to be brindle and white and the small dogs appear to be white and wearing coats.

There also seems to be a witness who walked past at about the same time and the RSPCA is keen to hear from him in case he saw more than the footage shows.

Inspector Wilson added: “Lexie’s owners are absolutely devastated by what’s happened, she was a very well-loved animal.

“They, and I, want to try to prevent this from happening to anyone else’s beloved pet.

“Deliberately setting a dog on cats or any other animals is an offence.

“Of course, accidents can happen, but any dogs with a propensity for attacking small animals must be kept under proper control at all times by their owners.”

If you think you are the man described above, or if you can help the RSPCA identify him, contact the appeal line on 0300-123-8018 and ask to leave a message for Claire Wilson.