Dog found buried alive in Redcar with nail in head Published duration 19 October 2016

image copyright RSPCA image caption The RSPCA said it is likely more than one person was involved in the attack

A dog was found buried alive with a nail in its head in Teesside in what the RSPCA has described as a "horrifying, cruel act".

A couple walking in Kirkleatham Woods, Redcar, heard whimpering and found the terrier-type animal in a mound of earth at about midday.

It was rushed to a vet but its injuries were so serious it had to be put down.

The RSPCA said more than one person would have been involved.

Inspector Nick Jones said: "In all my ten years working for the RSPCA, I have never known anything so horrifying and inexplicably cruel.

"It's likely more than one person was involved due to the force needed to inflict such an attack."

The dog was a white, scruffy-looking terrier type with a curly coat - possibly a Jack Russell or West Highland Terrier cross-breed - aged about seven years old.

Anyone with information is urged to come forward.