FOUR newborn puppies were found dead and dying in a ditch in South Ockendon.

The tiny spaniel crosses, thought to be just days old, were found by a passing member of the public in a ditch next to a little lane behind Benyon Primary School on Tyssen Place.

Three were dead, but one was described as alive and twitching when found. Sadly by the time an RSPCA inspector arrived they were all dead. The puppies still had their umblical cords attached The RSPCA are now appealing for information following the discovery on Saturday, October 4.

RSPCA inspector Caroline Richardson-Braun said: “This was a truly heartbreaking incident. The sight of these little bodies will not leave me for quite a while.

“They were soaking wet despite warm dry weather that day, and one possibility is that the puppies were drowned before being placed in the ditch - a horrible way to die.

“It seems likely that they had not been there that long by the state of the bodies - and the reports that one was moving when found.

“I understand some young boys found the puppies which must have been incredibly distressing for them. We are very grateful they raised the alarm and let us know.

Anyone with any information about the incident should call the charity on 0300 123 8018.