Body of terrier set on fire found by dog walker in Darlington field

It is not known if the dog was dead or alive when the bag was set alight

An investigation is under way after the discovery of the body of a dog believed to have been set on fire.

A small, female, rough-haired terrier was discovered by a dog walker in a field in Darlington, on a popular walking route near the River Skerne.

The body of the young, black and tan bitch was found on Tuesday between Darlington Rugby Club and Lakeside.

The RSPCA said: "This is a really heartbreaking and sad incident, and we are keen to find out who did this."

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The dog is thought to have been put in a bag and then set alight.

RSPCA investigators say it is not known if she was dead or alive when the bag was set on fire.

Her body bore no sign of previous injuries or fractures, they said.

Investigators believe she was wearing a jumper or dog coat when she was set on fire

The dog was found on 21 November, but the dog walker who reported the incident believes it had been there for six days.

They said they had seen the bag on a walk the week before but had not realised what it was.

RSPCA inspector Krissy Raine said: "This dog wasn't an old dog - by all accounts she appears to have been quite young.

"Sadly she had no microchip or collar, so we're unable to trace the owner without the public's help.

"We hope someone is aware of a similar-looking dog who has gone missing recently and may have important information for us."