A fox was shot and killed in an unnecessary and cruel attack in Stoneleigh last week.

From December 15: GRAPHIC IMAGES: Fox shot through the neck with arrow saved by Leatherhead animal charity Wildlife Aid Foundation

Surgeons at the Wildlife Aid Foundation tried to save the stricken vixen, which had been shot with a pellet gun, but she died a short time later.

The injured fox was found riddled with infection caused by the gunshot wounds by upset member of the public Amanda Townsend in Thorndon Gardens, Stoneleigh, and she alerted the police.

Examinations by the Wildlife Aid Foundation showed the fox had been shot with a pellet gun.

The weapon used – a .177 pellet – was described by Epsom and Ewell police as a “weapon calibre which would only inflict unnecessary suffering on an animal the size of a fox.”

Vets at the Wildlife Aid Foundation in Randalls Farm, Leatherhead, operated on the fox, but she died in surgery while under anaesthetic.

Founder Simon Cowell said: “Unfortunately, we do get quite a few animals that have been shot with guns.

“Sometimes they are more malicious, sometimes it’s just kids playing in their gardens thinking it’s funny to shoot at animals.

“I tend to blame the parents more than the children, because they should teach them not to do that.

“It is cruel. It is unnecessary.”

Resident Ms Townsend reported it to Surrey Police after finding the stricken vixen.

She wrote on the Epsom and Ewell Beat Facebook page: “It sickens me to think that someone in my neighbourhood can inflict such unnecessary cruelty on a defenceless animal.

“She was in extreme pain and riddled with infection caused by the gunshot wounds.

“I’m so glad I found her as I know many people wouldn’t bother calling for help.

“It was a fox this time but could easily be someone’s cat next time.”

The fox was shot on Wednesday, January 27.

To offer information to Surrey Police, call 101 quoting crime reference number 45160007891.