A MANGLED moggy left for dead by a hit and run driver has survived against the odds thanks to a quick acting police officer.

Kinky the cat got run over while crossing the road near his home in South Street, Bridport, last week.

A passer-by picked him up and put him on the pavement and then flagged down PC Drewe Manton as he was passing in his patrol car.

Although Kinky showed few signs of life the officer put him in a basket and took him to the vets.

And this week his mercy mission paid off when Kinky was released from the Port Bredy Veterinary Hospital and reunited with his grateful owners Janine Paull and Colin Sellick.

Janine said: "Kinky was really battered and obviously in shock so needed quick treatment to save his life.

"Thanks to PC Manton and vet Bob Smith he survived.

"We want to thank them so much - and we would also like to find the person who picked Kinky up and flagged down the officer so we can thank them too. It was such a kind thing to do. He might only be a cat but he is my life.

"We got Kinky and his brother Marcus from a farm. He had cat flu and nearly died but we nursed him through that, so he is very special.

"Apparently he got run over about 11pm on Wednesday last week but we did not know anything about it.

"We looked for him all next morning and eventually phoned the vets and discovered he was there being treated for a mangled leg.

"We are not angry about the fact that someone hit him - just that they drove off without bothering to stop."

Bridport police section commander Inspector Alan Jenkins commended his officer's speedy action.

He said: "This is an excellent illustration of the many and varied demands made upon police officers.

"Constable Manton was only too pleased to assist with the injured cat and as any police officer would tell you it is the variety of the job that makes it so interesting.

"I would also like to thank the member of the public for bringing this to our attention which obviously helped alleviate the poor cat's injuries as soon as possible."