THREE young kittens have been rescued after they were left for dead in a bin bag by the side of a road.

The tiny kittens, who are between two and three weeks old, were found in Kelvedon Road, Tiptree, on October 17.

A woman made the shock discovery after her own cat attempted to open the bin bag.

The RSPCA is appealing for information about the kittens, which have been named Rupert, Doreen and Marion.

RSPCA inspector Adam Jones, who went along to collect the trio, said: "Their eyes were barely open and they certainly shouldn’t be away from their mother at such a young age.

"The lady who called us came across them after her own cat kept trying to get to the bin bag and, when she investigated, she discovered the little babies inside.

"To leave such vulnerable and helpless kittens in a bag by the side of the road is just deplorable.

"Thankfully, the cats were not injured and are in relatively good health."

They are now being cared for by vet Ami Cooper at her home in Halstead and, once old enough, will be available for rehoming via the RSPCA.

Ami took the kittens to meet her grandfather at his care home where residents decided on the names.

All three kittens are now doing well and getting stronger every day.

Ami said: "They are living with me while I hand-rear them. I feed them and then my dog, a Staffordshire bull terrier-cross called Minnie, cleans them.

"She loves them."

If you have any information, call 0300 123 8018.