A dog has been "cowardly and callously" killed and left in a park in Maidstone.

Kent Police were called to Mote Park in the town at around 12.50pm today.

A Labrador, similar to the one pictured above, was discovered at 7.30am after being deliberately killed.

The attack was described as an "act of extreme cruelty" by Insp Tristan Stevens of Kent Police, who urged anyone with information to come forward.

He said: "To cause such suffering to a defenceless animal is cowardly and callous and we're keen to ensure the person responsible for this is arrested."

Police say the incident is not currently being linked to the death of 15 sheep in a field in Wrotham earlier today.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Insp Stevens on the non-emergency number, 101. Alternatively, call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.