A dog's body was found dumped in a field and driven over.

Warning: Upsetting images are included in this article

RSPCA teams are now investigating after the lurcher was found in the field near Gravesend by a horrified member of the public.

The sickening discovery was made on Tuesday and there were several tyre tracks made in the field off Nurstead Lane.

Investigators are pleading for help from the public to assist with their inquiries.

RSPCA inspector Kirsten Ormerod said the dog was a large, unnuetered male with a brown-coloured coat.

She said: "He was found dumped in the field and was surrounded by tyre tracks which suggests someone drove into the field to dump the body before turning around and driving back out.

"However, it appears they’ve run over this poor dog’s head as there was a massive trauma to his head.

"This poor dog has been dumped in very suspicious circumstances and someone has gone to serious lengths to leave his body in this field.

"While a cause of death is not yet clear, the dog’s body has a number of marks and wounds which could be old fighting scars or possibly signs that he has previously been used for hunting wildlife or badger baiting.

"He also appears to have been suffering from a skin condition which shows he may not have been kept in a very good condition before his death.”

The dog was microchipped but it was not registered with an owner.

Kirsten added: “I’d like to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area on Tuesday or the night before, or from anyone who may know where this dog has come from."

The charity has received 82,000 calls already this winter to its rescue line and expects to save thousands of animals through neglect, cruelty and suffering over the winter months.

Anyone with information about the lurcher or can help establish what has happened to him can call the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

For more on the RSPCA Join the Winter Rescue campaign visit www.rspca.org.uk/xmas or use the #JoinTheRescue on social media.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend