A tan terrier bitch has been found tied up in a bag and drowned in the River Medway.

The dog had been deliberately tied up in a weighted-down carrier bag, with "Christmas Next" written on the side, before being tossed in the water.

The body was spotted floating near the Millennium Bridge at Maidstone, near the Archbishop’s Palace, on Saturday, by a sharp-eyed member of the public who rang the RSPCA.

The police were called and a fireman in a dry suit waded in and retrieved the dog. The RSPCA took the animal away.

RSPCA inspector Ray Bailey said: “This was a callous act and the dog was obviously deliberately killed.

“She may have been in the water for several days, so we are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious last week to come forward.

“The bolt cutters used to weigh down the bag are heavy and distinctive and someone may recognise them.

"We would like to find out who the owner is, and anyone who recognises the dog, so we can try and piece together what has happened.”

If you have any information, please call 0300 123 4999 and ask for inspector Ray Bailey.