Two cats narrowly escaped a "horrific fate" after they were cruelly tied up in pillowcases and dumped on a railway line in Kent - and run over by at least three trains.

Animal welfare charity, the RSPCA, is now investigating, after they were contacted by worried Network Rail staff who found the cats on the line in Deal on Tuesday.

RSPCA inspector Deborah Pert said it was a miracle that the cats are still alive.

She said: “One was found underneath the live rail and the other was underneath a running track. Both had been bundled into pillowcases which were tied tightly.

“The Network Rail workers had to anxiously watch three trains run over the top of the cats while they waited for the live line to be switched off so they could retrieve them safely.

“Thankfully the trains seemed to pass right over the top of them so, unbelievably, they’ve come out without a scratch on them.”

“Thankfully the trains seemed to pass right over the top of them so, unbelievably, they’ve come out without a scratch on them" - Deborah Pert

The one-year-old cats, who were both microchipped, reportedly went missing days before they were found. Sophie disappeared from her home nine days before she was found, with Tiggs going missing a week later.

The cats are now receiving treatment at a nearby veterinary practice and the RSPCA - working alongside police - has launched an investigation into how they came to end up on the railway line.

Ms Pert said: “We believe someone has deliberately tied these cats up and thrown them onto the railway line.

“Whoever did this must have been fully aware of the horrific fate that awaited them on the track.

“We’d like to hear from anyone who may have seen someone dumping these poor cats or who may have first-hand information about who left them on the railway to die.”

Anyone who can assist the investigation should contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.