A heartbroken pet owner has contacted the Observer this week to convey her anger and dismay after her seven-month-old kitten was injured at the weekend.

Natalie Roberts, of Knowling Mead, said her black kitten 'Twinky' was hurt after being kicked on Saturday night.

And what Natalie feels worse, is she was harmed sometime between 5 and 7 pm in the vicinity of Knowling Mead.

"She came back absolutely howling with pain," said Natalie.

"I had to sleep on the settee on Saturday night to keep an eye on her. I took her to the vet on Sunday morning and after an x-ray, they confirmed she had been kicked.

"She really has suffered an appalling kicking," added Natalie. "She cannot walk properly now and is very frightened by the slightest movement or noise."

Twinky was kept at the vet's overnight and is being given painkillers to ease the hurt caused by the swelling and bruising.

Added Natalie: "Her tail has been injured so much, that if it doesn't heal in two weeks, it is likely she will have to have it amputated.

"Twinky is such a playful, friendly kitten, but to see the change in her now is devastating.

"It is so upsetting to think that someone could do such an awful thing to a little animal.

"I just want the person or persons responsible to know how much pain they have caused Twinky and the upset it has caused."