POLICE executing an arrest warrant in connection with a pet cat being trapped and shot in Oldham have arrested a man on firearms charges.

John Dobb, 72, of Bardsley Vale Avenue, was charged with firearms offences including failing to comply with the conditions of a firearm certificate, possessing a shotgun without a certificate and four counts of possessing ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.

He has also been charged with possessing a self-loading pump action smooth bore gun and possessing firearms without a certificate.

The warrant was executed last week after a pet cat Violet, who was featured in Oldham Times, was shot and a few days later caught in an illegal gin trap at a house on the same street on July 28.

Following the arrest, Detective Inspector Claire McGuire, from GMP’s Xcalibre Task Force, issued a statement to reassure residents by saying: “I understand that this incident may cause concern in the community, however, I want to reassure local residents that we have a team of officers working hard on this investigation.

“People may notice an increased police presence in the surrounding area as we carry out our enquiries and I would encourage anyone with concerns to please approach one of our officers.”

The owner of the cat Jodie Barratt, aged 33, and her daughter Aliza, aged seven, found the cat in a nearby garden with the trap still attached.

One-year-old Violet may now have to have her paw amputated after the trap inflicted a severe wound and shattered a bone.

Jodie told the Oldham Times that on the day Violet was snared she heard her screaming and dashed out to see what was going on. She found the cat with its leg still in the trap on a neighbouring roof.

Appearing at weekend before Manchester Magistrates Court, Mr Dobb, was committed to appear at Minshull Street Crown Court, on September 3.

He was granted bail subject to certain conditions including reporting to a police station on Tuesdays and Fridays at an address in Blackpool