A KITTEN has died after being dumped in an alleyway near a primary school.

The black and white kitten was found in a cardboard box in an alley near Elmwood Primary School, in Guys Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers.

She was taken to a vet in Southend for treatment, but died overnight.

The vet said she was about three to four weeks old and was suffering from hypothermia and dehydration and could only walk a few steps before falling over.

The vet did everything possible by warming her up and giving her treatment for fleas and hyperthermia, but it was too late.

RSPCA inspector Stephen Craddock said: “The box had the words ‘office depot’on the side and I would like to speak to anyone who may have been seen carrying a box like this near the school.

“Thispoor, helpless animal had no food or water and was too young to have been separated from its mother.

“To abandon such a defenceless creature in a place where she may not have been discovered for several hours is unthinkable.”

Anyone with information should call the RSPCA inspector information line and leave a message for Mr Craddock on 0300 1238018.