A badger has been found hanging from a tree in a shocking case of animal cruelty.

A member of the public made the gruesome discovery on a byway from Old Soar Road in Plaxtol, near Sevenoaks. Officers are treating it as a case of animal cruelty.

Derek Wilkinson of the West Kent Badger group was alerted to the find, and called the police.

He said: "I've been involved with the group for around 50 years and I've never come across anything like this before. It is disgusting and I can't understand the mindset of a person who would do this."

Sgt Marc Pennicott from the Rural Task Force said: "Officers from the RSPCA also attended and their vet has found that the animal died before being hung up. But we don’t know how the badger died.

"I am keen to hear from anyone who may have information so that we can identify any potential suspects."

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference 17-931.