Officers said it was latest in a series of incidents involving air weapons that have damaged properties in Delabole.

Neither of the children, aged five and seven, were injured during the attack.

The RSPCA said the cat was recovering after a vet removed the pellet. Police said anyone caught with such a gun in public would be arrested and charged.

Gun problem

The children's stepmother, Miranda Dungey, said: "They were just playing on porch when it happened and were terrified.

"They're now concerned to go out in garden and won't let out the cat."

Pc Dave Green of Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Delabole does have a problem with air weapons, particularly among young people.

"Incidents tend to be centred around fire station and at footpaths along a local quarry.

"Police powers have been recently been upgraded and we can now arrest anyone with a loaded or unloaded weapon in public places, which we will do to try and eliminate this nuisance."