POLICE are looking to trace the owner of a lost or stolen cat as well as witnesses to an incident in mid-Essex in which the animal was thrown at a passing vehicle.

A 53-year-old woman from Coggeshall was driving along the A131 near Great Leighs at 8.30pm on Thursday, October 18 when she saw a group of teenagers at the side of the road throw a piece of concrete at her white Ford S-Max followed by the cat.

Investigating Officer, Pc Sophie Chatwin, said: “This woman was driving home from work when she approached the Great Leighs Racecourse roundabout.

“She saw several youngsters at the side of the road and feared that they were going to push a boy into the road so slowed down. There were approximately half a dozen that came out of nowhere.”

The incident was only reported to police the following day. The cost of the damage to the car is estimated at approximately �1,000.

The car owner said: “This incident has really traumatised me. I want the police to catch these youngsters. I’m not overly concerned with the damage to my car, but rather more worried about the welfare of that cat and that there is no repeat of any such event. I would urge anyone who saw these teenagers to contact the police.”

The only description that has been given to police is that one of the youngsters was wearing a bright red Nike hoodie.

Anyone with information in connection with this act of criminal damage is urged to contact investigating officers at Braintree police station on 101.