A?CAT lover from Winleigh says she is devastated after her pet was shot in the head by an air gun.

The horrific incident has led owner Carly Parker to question the recent survey that nominated the village as the best place to bring up a family.

Her cat Beemer was found with an air pellet in his head.

Carly told the Times: 'Our cat Beemer is the most loving and affectionate cat you will ever meet. Both myself and my partner Amy were devastated.'

They took Beemer to a vet in Exeter after he stopped eating. He was x-rayed and found to have the air gun pellet lodged in his skull.

He is now recovering from the operation to remove the pellet.

Carly said: 'What a lovely village Winkleigh is? Beemer's operation is going to cost us nearly £1,000 and as for the person who actually shot him, well I just hope the police find out who it was and have them locked up for a very long time. Winkleigh is more like the place of animal cruelty.'

The incident throws into question the findings of the 'Family Friendly Hotspots Report' published by children's savings provider Family Investments.

The unique study identified the top 20 postcodes providing the best range of essential and desirable factors for family living.

The study investigated factors that cover the essentials of family living, including Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 results, school inspection outcomes, quantity and quality of Early Years care, crime figures and property affordability, which is based on average house prices and local salaries.

The offence can carry a six-month jail sentence and a hefty fine. Devon and Cornwall Police and the RSPCA are both investigating the incident.