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Sickening CCTV footage has emerged of a man viciously kicking and stamping on a cat.

While an out-of-control dog is chasing the cat, the cyclist joins in and unleashes the frenzied attack as the cat desperately attempts to escape.

At one point he punts the cat into the air.

The shocking Hartlepool attack only came to light five days after it occurred when a neighbour watched his CCTV footage back.

The incident is set to be reported to Cleveland Police by the RSPCA, with the charity launching an investigation.

Inspector Stephanie Baines, who is leading the investigation, said: “The incident occurred on Saturday shortly before 10am, according to the timestamp on the CCTV.

“In the video, a man is seen cycling into Brian Honour Avenue at 9.57am with a small black dog running loose beside him.

“The dog can be seen darting all over the road and pavements and is clearly out of control. It then shoots off to a parking area behind the houses and attacks a light-coloured cat.”

In the footage, the cat is subjected to an attack that last for 30 seconds in which it is booted around like a football.

“As the cat tries to escape by scaling a fence, the dog continues to attack and drags the cat back down to the ground,” adds Inspector Baines.

“When the man arrives to intervene, he can be seen violently stamping and kicking at the cat and slamming his bike tyre down.

“The cat eventually escapes and runs to hide under a car. We do not know who the cat belongs to or what injuries it sustained in the attack.

“We are now appealing for information from the public to help us establish what happened on the day. We’d also like to speak to the man seen in the footage.”

She added: “This footage is very upsetting to watch and we’d like to hear from the cat’s owner to find out if he or she is okay.

“If anyone can help us piece together exactly what has happened or recognises the man or dog shows in the video, we’d urge them to get in touch by calling our inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”