A CRUEL driver threw a cat from the window of his car as he drove along a busy road.

The young male tabby had been wrapped in a plastic bag before it was discarded by the motorist on the A167 at Coat-ham Mundeville, near Darlington, on Friday night.

A driver, who had been travelling behind the dark-coloured car, which was heading away from Darlington towards the A1, picked up the cat and handed it to the Darlington and District Cat Protection League.

Terry Foster, the branch co-ordinator, said the car lights had been turned off and the vehicle slowed down before the cat was dumped.

"All of a sudden, he put his lights off and the plastic bag came out of the window and the car flew off," he said.

Fortunately, the cat, which was aged between four and four-and-a-half months, was not hurt and has already been rehoused.

"For somebody to throw an animal out of a car window is absolutely dreadful," said Mr Foster.

Inspector Eddie Bond, of Darlington police, confirmed the incident is being investigated. "It was a despicable act and we would appeal for people to come forward with information," he said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681.