A CAT was kicked to death during a house burglary.

The animal was kicked in the head and body by raiders at a house in Hazlemere, High Wycombe.

The devastated owner found his cat in the garden and took it to a vet where it later died.

The owner's engagement ring was also taken.

A police officer said it was an act of "mindless cruelty".

The thieves broke in between 7am and 8.30pm last Monday, police revealed this afternoon as they launched a witness appeal.

They stole garden tools from an unlocked shed at a house in Sawpit Hill.

They then climbed onto an extension roof and used the tools to force a skylight window.

While inside they attacked the cat and stole the man's engagement ring and keys for a grey Isuzu Trooper, which was then stolen.

A police statement said: "It is thought the offenders kicked the owner's cat in the head and body while they were in the house before making off in the car."

Burglary Coordinator, Glynn Hill, said: "I am appalled by the mindless cruelty inflicted on a defenceless animal and it would seem the offenders involved attacked the animal while it was inside the house.

"It was a pointless attack on a well loved pet and I would like to speak to anyone who saw people acting suspiciously in the area during the daytime last Monday."

If you have any information, contact Glynn Hill at High Wycombe police station via 0845 8 505 505.

Or if you don't want to talk to police or leave your name, call Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

More to come on this site later this evening.