SHOCKING CCTV footage shows an injured dog being abandoned in a busy main road.

The RSPCA is now investigating after the incident, involving a two-year-old lurcher now named Poppy, in Queens Road on February 28.

In the footage a dog can be seen limping along Queens Road outside shops at 11am, with RSPCA officers saying two men got out of a white van beforehand and released her.

Poppy is then seen running around on the pavement and in the road for several minutes before one of the men reappears, as if pretending to be just passing, and pulls out a collar and lead and hands her to a passer-by.

Officers were later told he claimed the dog belonged to someone else.

RSPCA inspector Caroline Richardson said: “The incident is particularly shocking as these men have dumped Poppy in broad daylight on a busy road, knowing full well she is injured.

“She must have been so terrified, running around such a busy area, all the while she is in such pain. She was not able to put any weight at all on one leg so must have been in agony.

“They then appear to just hand the poor dog to random passer-by. There are numerous vets locally who would have taken this dog in if they had asked for help.”

Poppy has now been seen by vets who says she is doing well, despite her untreated foot injuries, with no broken bones.

The RSPCA was called by the passer-by who was handed Poppy and officers have taken her into its care.

The two men involved are both described as having Irish accents and were in a plain white van with roof racks.

The first male was white with dark un-styled hair and stubble, wearing dark blue jeans, black boots, a long sleeved white top and a black gilet. He is thought to be in his 20s or 30s and was of medium to large build.

The second male was described as white, wearing a pale blue cap with writing across the front, light coloured trousers, dark shoes and a dark jacket. He is clean shaven and looks to be a less stocky build.

Anyone with information should contact 0300 123 8018.