The RSPCA is investigating after two kittens were found abandoned in Essex with serious injuries.

The black and white kittens, thought to be eight-weeks-old, were found by a woman at Gunners Park, in Shoeburyness near Southend-on-Sea, on Tuesday afternoon (23 May).

She alerted the RSPCA and inspector Adam Jones attended.

“The kittens were close to the entrance to the car parking, cowering in the undergrowth,” he explained.

“The lady did amazingly well to spot them in the dense vegetation. She managed to catch one of the kittens and took him to a vet nearby, but couldn’t catch the second so called us in to help.

“He proved a little more troublesome but, with the help of another member of the public and some chicken, we managed to bribe him out of the hedge and confine him.”

One of the kittens had a broken leg which may need amputating and the other had an open fracture to the tail which is “beyond repair” and will need removing. They’ve been named Gunner and Parker after the spot they were found.

“Both kittens are approximately eight-weeks-old and have both been seriously injured,” inspector Jones added.

“They’re really friendly so I don’t think they’re feral and I believe the most likely explanation is that they’ve been abandoned here.

“My concern is that they’ve been attacked and beaten before being thrown out to fend for themselves having suffered horrific injuries.

“I’m appealing for information to establish what happened to these poor, vulnerable kittens. Anyone who recognises them or has any information which could help our investigation can call our appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

“These poor little cats have suffered so much in their short lives already but we’re confident that with good veterinary care and lots of TLC they will do well and will have the chance to go on to lead happy lives.”

Once they are healthy enough, Gunner and Parker will be rehomed by the RSPCA.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give or text LOVE to 87023 to give £3 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message