POLICE are trying to track down a suburban sniper who has shot and injured two pet cats.

The first cat, called Bernard, was shot with an air rifle in the Malvern Avenue area of York between 9am on March 9 and 5pm the following day.

He had to have an operation to remove the pellet from his lower back close to his spine.

In a separate incident, another cat called Harvey, was shot from close range or with a high-powered air rifle in the Fulford or Heslington area on March 15 2015 between noon and 4pm.

He has been treated by a vet for his injuries and is currently being cared for in Leeds.

“Harvey was very lucky to come through this incident and had a pellet removed from between his heart and lungs,” said a police spokesman.

Anyone with information n is urged to contact North Yorkshire police on 101 or pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.