Warning signs have been erected at an allotment ground following the fatal shooting of a beloved pet cat earlier this year.

Wilma the 10-year-old tabby was found dead at the Castle Street allotments in Ongar on May 1.

She had been shot with a powerful air rifle, prompting an RSPCA investigation into the killing.

The killing followed two incidents in 2013 where allotment users were hit by pellets from a rogue airgun shooter.

The warning signs have now been placed at entrances and exits to the site following an Ongar Town Council meeting last week, where the council resolved to protect the public and deter any possible criminals.

Deputy town clerk Judith Cook said: “Anyone entering or exiting the land should see the signs.

“I think everybody who uses the allotments, tenants and those who walk down it regularly will know [what happened] but it is really a deterrent to the person who owns the gun, that we know and we are reminding them of the law and that they cannot shoot there.”

The signs were designed by Essex Police and given to the town council following conversations with Wilma’s owner.

Following the shooting, lead RSPCA inspector Adam Jones said: "It seems likely someone was aiming straight for her.

"The vet believes she is unlikely to have died instantly, so would have suffered as a result.

"It would have been a painful and very distressing way to die, as well as a completely unnecessary and callous attack on an animal.”

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.