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A badger has been found hanged from the crossbar of a football goal with a rope wrapped around its neck.

The wild animal was left to die after being strung up by thugs in a school field.

Distressing images were released by the RSPCA in a bid to catch the thugs who carried out the disgusting act.

The grisly discovery was made at a sports field in Brentwood, Essex, by a member of public last Friday.

The appalled passerby reported it to a school caretaker at Becket Keys School which is opposite the field.

(Image: SWNS.com)

The caretaker then called the RSPCA's emergency line and they immediately attended the scene.

RSPCA trainee inspector Ann Bennett said: "We'd like to get to the bottom of this sickening, deliberate act of cruelty to a wild animal.

"The incident is particularly disturbing as we suspect this badger was alive when it was strung up, as there was blood around its nose and mouth.

"It must have been extremely distressing to the member of public who found the badger.

"Our thanks go to him and the shocked school caretaker who was able to take the lifeless badger down from the goalpost to prevent it being seen by children.

"It is horrible to think someone could be responsible for killing any animal in such a violent way.

"The location was quite a distance from the road and we are keen for members of the public who may have been in the vicinity of this sports field on Friday evening and saw anything suspicious to come forward.

(Image: SWNS.com)

"Anyone with any information to assist in this investigation should call our appeals line on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for Trainee Inspector Bennett."

Under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, it is an offence to intentionally injure, kill or take a badger.

To report incidents of cruelty to an animal, please contact the RSPCA's emergency line on 0300 1234 999 or report online.