THE burned remains of a Rottweiler dog has been found on a suburban footpath.

The male dog, aged between eight and 11-years-old, was found by a member of the public on a footpath just off Claxheugh Road, South Hylton, Sunderland, at around 3pm on Tuesday.

RSPCA inspector Terri-Ann Fannon said: “This was an absolutely horrible and upsetting thing to come across.

“At the moment we don’t know how this dog died, and whether he was set on fire before or afterwards.

“A vet has examined him and believes that the injuries to his body are all due to the heat exposure and were post death. However it does seem a very strange thing to do to a much-loved pet, and is certainly suspicious."

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for Ms Fannon.