A DOG could have been killed after it was released onto railway tracks before being cruelly punched and kicked by a man, who is now wanted by police.

British Transport Police have appealed for the public's help to trace a man who cruelly abused a dog at a train station in County Durham.

At around 11am on Saturday, March 10 a man was stood on the platform at Newton Aycliffe station.

He was with a black Labrador and appeared to be waiting for two men on the train from Darlington.

The man was seen to let the dog onto the railway tracks – putting its life in danger – and when it returned to him, he punched it in the head and kicked it in the ribs.

He was around 5ft 7ins tall and had dark hair.

The men he met were heard to say that one of them was originally from Tang Hall in York but now lived in Malton, and the other was from Doncaster.

Anyone who recognises the descriptions or has information that could help BTP find them is urged text 61016 or call 0800-405040 with reference 208 of March 10.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800-555111.