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A disabled mother and her daughter are "heartbroken" after their cat was allegedly killed by a group of teenagers in Devonport.

Laura Peters was sat in her front room watching the television on Tuesday evening when she heard laughing from outside, followed by a cat "screaming".

At first she did not recognise her cat's cries, but then three-year-old Mia, who they have had since she was a kitten, climbed over the wall and collapsed in the garden.

After calling the PDSA for advice, Laura rushed Mia to the veterinary hospital in Estover where she sadly died from internal bleeding and shock.

(Image: Laura Peters)

Now Laura, aged 43, and her 17-year-old daughter, Jorina-Jane, who has Goldenhar Syndrome, are appealing to anybody who witnessed the shocking attack or know who might be responsible.

"I want to find the scumbags responsible," said Laura, who cannot work because of her disability. "We are heartbroken.

"Someone must have heard or saw something. Mia was my daughter's baby."

The distressing incident happened at about 8.30pm near their home on Duke Street, at the junction of Duncan Street.

(Image: Penny Cross)

Laura said she heard a group of teenagers, both girls and boys, congregated near her house.

She said: "I was watching the Eurovision Song Content with the door open so my cats and dogs can come in and out.

"I could hear the group of teenagers having lots of fun, then I heard a cat screaming, but I didn't recognise it as my daughter's cat.

"Then she came over the wall and collapsed. I called my mum and the PDSA and was told to take her to Estover Hospital.

"My daughter was holding her in her arms and crying. Mia was struggling to breathe and crying out loud in pain.

(Image: Laura Peters)

"My mum drove like crazy to the veterinary hospital, and just before we arrived Mia stopped breathing. My daughter was going crazy."

Although the vets managed to get Mia breathing again after giving her a shot of adrenalin, she sadly died shortly after from internal bleeding and shock.

Mia's back had been broken, and she also had several broken ribs.

"Everyone knew and liked Mia," said Laura, who is awaiting a visit from police officers investigating the assault. "She was one of the friendliest cats in the area.

(Image: Penny Cross)

"My daughter is paying to have her cremated to keep her ashes. She is just heartbroken. I had to take her home from school today."

Devon and Cornwall Police has confirmed it is investigating the incident.

If you have any information about what happened to Mia, contact the police on 101 quoting CR/039773/18.

PDSA said it is aware of the incident but as the cat was not taken to one of the charity's hospitals, it cannot comment further.