An animal protection charity has launched an appeal to trace the former owners of three kittens left for dead in a Tunbridge Wells alleyway.

They were discovered covered in fleas in a box left between two shops.

The male and two females only were only around nine weeks old. Two called Holly and Star are white with black markings, while Angel is pure white.

They were discovered off Camden Road, next to a former pet shop, on Friday, December 1.

Alison Edwards, RSPCA inspector, said: “We are grateful to the caller who found these kittens and kept them safe until I was able to collect them.

“The kittens are very sweet and although they were covered in fleas, they are super friendly and lovely in character. It just doesn’t make sense why anyone would just heartlessly dump them.

"It is heart-breaking, but at least they are now safe and in the care of the RSPCA and will be rehomed at a later date.

“I am investigating this incident and I would appeal to anyone with any information regarding who may have owned these poor kittens to contact me in confidence on our inspector’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”