THE shocking images of a cat with a foot long crossbow through its head have infuriated St Helens Star readers, who have offered the pet’s owner their help and support.

Spike the cat was blasted in the skull in an act of bloodthirsty cruelty in Sutton on Tuesday, June 7.

The appalling images - which show an arrow going in and out of the pet’s head - were being circulated worldwide today, with Sky News among outlets running the story.

His livid owner Sandra Grogan said she has been overwhelmed by the response from people.

The 51-year-old, from Bracewell Close, in Sutton, said she has even received a phone call from America, offering support.

The disabled mother-of-three said: “I can’t thank every individual person. I can’t believe the response it’s generated.

“Obviously I am not happy about what has happened, but I’m glad the story is out there. People don’t realise that there is no legislation regarding crossbows.

“But this has shown that there are some nice people out there.”

Vet Sarah Roberts from Alder Veterinary Centre, where Spike is being treated, said: “The bolt penetrated his skull on the right hand side, near his nose.

“It went through the hard palate behind his teeth, down through his tongue and out below the left hand side of his jaw.

“It went through solid bone and looks as if it was shot at close range.”

She suggested that cruelty towards cats is a huge problem: “I have dealt with a dog that was shot with a cross bow, but you usually find cats have been shot by air guns. Sometimes they can cause major damage.

“We have also seen cats that have been deliberately set upon by dogs. But hopefully Spike will be ok.

“He’s lucky it went diagonally across his face. If it had gone into his mouth, it would have hit his spine and killed him. It also avoided major blood vessels.”

Generous Star readers have posted messages on support on our website, offering to help with the escalating vet’s bill.

A Facebook site has also been set up to try and generate funds to help Sandra and her family cover the costs. The address is http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=100002434708947.

People wishing donate can do so at the Star office at 23a Hardshaw Street, St Helens.

A 39-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.