Police are investigating after a dog was found deliberately weighted down by a rock in the River Trent.

The discovery, and the act, has been described as a horrific.

Pictures emerged of the dog dragged to the bank of the river, at Farndon.

This dog was found weighted down in the River Trent. (26052630)

A Facebook post that accompanied the pictures urges people to help find the "scumbags" responsible.

Nottinghamshire Police said a brave member of the public rescued the dog this morning (Monday).

The Belgian Shepherd, whose registered microchip name is Bella, was spotted in the water and dragged to safety by a woman near Long Lane, Farndon, at around 8.45am.

Bella was rescued this morning. (26053522)

She had a carrier bag containing a large rock tied to her lead when she was found.

She has been taken by Nottinghamshire Police to a local vet where she is receiving care.

Officers investigating the incident are appealing for anyone who recognises the dog, or saw anything suspicious in the area at the time to come forward as soon as possible.

PC Pace, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "This was an evil and nasty thing to do to this poor dog and we are making every effort to find out who is responsible.

The rock that was used to weight Bella down. (26053524)

"We are lucky that the kind member of the public found and rescued her.

"If anyone has dash-cam or CCTV footage of vehicles in Long Lane that may show who was in the area at the time that would be really helpful.

Bella at the vets (26053518)

"We are working with the RSPCA and are conducting microchip enquiries. Her name was recorded in 2010 as Bella on her microchip but it is possible she may be known by another name if her owner has changed since then.

"If anyone recognises her and knows who owns her please get in touch on 101, quoting incident number 103 of January 6, 2020."

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