RSPCA inspectors are appealing for information after a dog owner was caught on CCTV viciously kicking his pet in the head "like a football".

The incident happened outside the Navy Club, in Northgate, Darlington, on Sunday (May 17) afternoon.

A member of the public tried to intervene in the incident, which took place shortly after 1.30pm.

After witnessing the attack, they got in touch with the RSPCA.

Clare Wilson, an inspector for the animal welfare charity, is now appealing for anyone who knows who the man is, or who knows where the dog may live, to contact her.

She said: “The footage shows the man going to walk off, but the dog doesn’t appear to want to follow him.

"He tries to drag the dog, but then turns and kicks the poor animal right under the chin, just like you’d kick a football.

“A witness said they saw the man beat the dog five or six times, which isn’t seen on the footage.

"She said she even heard a crunching noise as he beat the dog.

“It is hard to see any details of what the man looks like, but he was apparently wearing a white T-shirt, a body warmer, navy jogging bottoms with white stripes and trainers.

“The dog looks either like a mastiff or a big bull breed and is a tan colour.

“It is an absolutely shocking incident and I’m urging anyone who knows anything about who the man or the dog are to call me as soon as possible.”

The man walked away up Northgate and past the BP filling station in North Road, where he was again spotted on CCTV with the dog.

Anyone with information can leave a message for Insp Wilson by calling the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0300-123-8018.

The RSPCA is a charity and only able to investigate incidents like this thanks to generous public donations.

To assist its inspectors in carrying out their vital work, text HELP to 78866 to give £3.

Texts cost £3 plus one standard network rate message.