Seven kittens were found dead in Swanscombe last Friday evening with animal welfare investigators now appealing for witnesses to step forward.

The unfortunate creatures were believed to have only been approximately 12 hours old after they were discovered inside a white Nike shoebox in Whitecliffe Road.

It's believed that each kitten was alive prior to being abandoned with the RSPCA now asking for anyone who may have been in the area between 6-8pm to come forward.

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA has said: ""The RSPCA has been called about seven dead kittens found in a box in an alleyway off Whitecliffe Road, Ebbsfleet, Swanscombe.

"We want o hear from anyone with any information that might help us to investigate what happened.

"Please call our inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018."