A runner discovered the bodies of a pet rabbit and ferret on a grass verge.

Warning: pictures may be distressing

The RSPCA is now investigating after the animals were found in suspicious circumstances in a village near Rochester.

Inspectors say both were found dumped and dead and had injuries.

The ferret was in a grey plastic bag covered in blood and the animal had suffered injuries to its head and eye.

The rabbit was found about 10 metres up the road with blood around its mouth.

The RSPCA says the rabbit's spine "felt broken" and was also found near another grey plastic bag.

The runner found the bodies while exercising along Burham Road in Wouldham on April 15.

Neither of the animals were microchipped but the rabbit's owner was identified after an appeal of Facebook was published to help find their pet a few days earlier.

The owner has been contacted about the sad discovery.

RSPCA inspector Grace Harris-Bridge said: “The circumstances in which these two animals were found together is suspicious and while we cannot be sure as to what the cause of death is at this stage.

"I am appealing to to anyone who may have any information as to how these two animals may have died.

"It could be that they had been sadly been in a road traffic accident and the bodies left, but the circumstances are suspicious."

Anyone with information is urged to call the RSPCA investigation line on 0300 123 8018.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway