A dead puppy was found washed up on a beach tied up into a ball with a fatal head wound.

The RSPCA is now pleading for witnesses to come forward after the six-month-old German Shepherd was discovered on Ramsgate beach.

Officers say it is one of the most shocking incidents they have ever seen and believe the injured dog was dumped in the sea and left for dead.

WARNING: Graphic images

She was found attached to a black holdall which had sand and seaweed inside leading investigators to believe someone tried to stuff the dog inside the bag.

The poor dog's muzzle and legs were bound together putting her into a tight curled up position and she had a stab wound on the top of her head where fur was also shaved.

A member of the public walking their own dog saw the female pup on the East Cliff Chine at around 9.20am yesterday.

They contacted the Thanet dog warden and the puppy's body was taken to Thanet Vets in Margate where RSPCA investigators were contacted.

Chief Inspector Steve Dockery is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the dog’s death and disposal.

He said: "This must have been an incredibly distressing discovery for the member of the public who found this poor dog. I’ve been an inspector for many years but this really is shocking. We believe the injured dog had been tied up and dumped in the sea.

"The vets also believe that the dog was in season before she died and that due to bruising and swelling on her muzzle as well as blood in her mouth, it would appear as though she was alive before she was bound.

"A black Nike holdall was found with her and contained the same material she was tied up with. Although she wasn’t inside it, it appears like whoever did this had tried and failed to place her in the bag as the bag was also full of seaweed and sand.

"The poor dog was also very underweight and has no microchip."

It is unknown how long the dog was in the water before she was found.

Anyone with information to help the investigation is urged to contact the RSPCA 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 Thanet