A dead dog had to be pulled in from the sea in what the RSPCA have called a "distressing incident".

The animal was discovered off the coast of the beach close to Barton's Point Coastal Park, Sheerness, on Friday at 5.11pm.

Police helped to recover the body from the water before searching for a microchip.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: "This is a very distressing incident.

"Sadly, the condition of the dog's body made it difficult to check for an identifying microchip at the police station."

The animal was taken to an RSPCA centre.

The charity is investigating what happened.

Meanwhile, Sheppey's beach warden, Ian Arnell, took to Facebook to tell residents what had happened.

He said on Friday: "A dead, tied up dog was seen in the water off of Sheerness this afternoon."

Mr Arnell added that RNLI lifeguards are said to have tried to search for it, but could not find it.

It is not known how long the canine had been in the water.

Anyone with information about what happened to the dog, is urged to call the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.