A CAT was cruelly dumped in a closed cardboard box on the side of the street.

The tabby and white male cat, now named Chester, was discovered by a passerby on Gensing Road, St Leonards, on April 26 inside of a box stuffed with blue tissue. 

The RSPCA rescued him and took him to the vet but are now investigating his abandonment. 

RSPCA inspector Zoe Ballard said: "Chester seems to be doing well now in RSPCA care. He had blood in his urine, but the vet says this could be down to stress.

"This wouldn't surprise me as it must have been so terrifying to be dumped by the side of the road like this.

"He is such a lovely boy and I can't imagine why anyone could want to dump him like this - he must have been so scared.

"If anyone has any information at all we would love to hear from them on 0300 123 8018."