A cat rescue centre near Shepton Mallet has been left reeling after burglars broke in and released several rescued cats.

Compassion for Cats, based in Oakhill and run by 71-year-old Judy Knowles, discovered the break-in early Monday morning.

Eight cats are still missing after locks were broken and doors left open, allowing them to escape. Ms Knowles, who has been rehoming cats at the charity for three years, said staff were in "total shock" over the incident.

She told the BBC: "All the doors were open and there were cats everywhere with the locks destroyed. A few of them are very distressed, and I really hope the missing cats come back."

Avon and Somerset Police said: "We have received a report of a non-dwelling burglary at a cat rescue centre in Oakhill.

"The incident was reported to police at approximately 6.30am today and is believed to have happened overnight.

"We understand entry was forced to the premises and a number of cats were reported this morning to be missing."