A horse has had to be put down after it was found tied up and dumped in a Kent village lane.

A member of the public found the severely emaciated animal lying by the side of Shellbank Lane at Bean, near Dartford at 5.45am Monday and called the police.

Its hind legs had been bound and tied to a fence and a large blue tarpaulin had been tied around its middle.

Officers called out a vet who had to humanely destroy the animal.

Police believe the animal would have been dumped at some point while it was still dark. The RSPCA is also investigating.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234999 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.