An eight-week-old puppy has died after being found abandoned and covered in a faeces strewn blanket in a lay-by.

The RSPCA is appealing for information after a member of the public found the French bulldog pup in a lay-by in Bounstead Road, Colchester, on Sunday, March 12.

The dog, who was thought to be only eight weeks old, was in a box with a blanket covered in faeces.

Warning: You may find the following image distressing 

It was rushed to a nearby vet, who found on examination the dog's eyeball was ruptured and emaciated.

Despite everyone's best efforts, a decision was made by the vet to put him to sleep.

The puppy was rushed to a nearby vets. Picture: RSPCA (Image: RSPCA)

Inspector Caroline Richardson said: "This a truly heartbreaking incident and it’s so upsetting to think that this poor pup was so poorly yet whoever had him then decided to abandon him all alone.

“He would have been terrified and I’m just so upset that he was treated this way, I am just grateful that in his last few hours he was shown love and kindness."

Anyone information is asked to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01040391.