A DOG has been pulled from a river after it was dumped in the water and left to drown.

A horrified member of the public contacted the RSPCA after pulling the animal's body from Horse Eye Sewer, in Hailsham, on New Year’s Eve.

The dog - young, chocolate-coloured and medium-sized- was found floating in the rover wrapped in a bedsheet and in plastic.

The rescue charity is now investigating the discovery and is urging anyone with information to get in touch.

Inspector Zoe Ballard said: “A member of the public spotted the dog’s body floating in the river and pulled it onto the banks. The dog - a young, chocolate-coloured, medium-sized dog - was wrapped in a bedsheet and in plastic.

“It’s believed to be a crossbreed - possibly a Labrador or a spaniel type - young in age and weighing around 20-25kg.

“Vets examined the body and determined that the dog had drowned. The body had potentially been in the water for some time as the skin had deteriorated.”

Anyone with information can call the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.