POLICE are hunting for a gang who stabbed and kicked a Jack Russell terrier to death.

Two police community support officers discovered the body of the dog in an alleyway in central Middlesbrough. It had been stabbed in the neck and its skull had been crushed.

House-to-house inquiries are being carried out as Cleveland Police and the RSPCA work together to find the culprits.

RSPCA Inspector Chris Guy is worried that the thugs will strike again. "They have done it once, there is nothing to stop them doing it again: perhaps something even worse to an animal, with no thought about it."

The dog, called Butch, escaped from a relative of his owners, who were on holiday in Spain.

They were too upset to speak about their loss.

Inspector Chris Guy, said: "I can't put into words my thoughts of what has been done to this little, defenceless dog - it is unbelievable. It is one of the worst things I have ever seen done to an animal."

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "This was a heartless, sadistic attack on a defenceless animal. It would appear this animal was kicked and stabbed and left to die in a back alley.

"Whoever did this will have bloodstains on his clothing and someone may well recognise that. We would appeal for anyone who knows anything about this to get in touch on (01642) 303126, or ring Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111."

The dog was killed in an alleyway behind Fleetham Street, off Union Street, some distance from the family home.