A dead dog found wrapped in a bin bag in a park has prompted an RSPCA appeal. 

The bull breed dog was wrapped in a bin bag and JD Sports Bag and there was clear tape around the dog's back leg. 

It was a male dog with cropped ears and appeared to look like a "toad line" type breed. 

The body was found by a member of the public at about 1.40pm on Monday, February 5 on a footpath off Park Hall Road in Gosfield, near Halstead in north Essex.

Police were contacted to collect the dog's body.

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An examination at the vet found bruising on his abdomen, cuts to the inside of his mouth and blood around his muzzle. 

The RSPCA is investigating the circumstances of the dog's death. 

RSPCA chief inspector Adam Jones said: "It is really sad to find a dog in such a terrible state and discarded in such a way.

"I am keen to find out how his body came to be left at this location as the circumstances and injuries appear suspicious."

Anyone with information that can help the investigation should contact Mr Jones on 0300 123 8019, quoting incident 01218951.