THE RSPCA has appealed for information after a dog wandered off the metro at Gateshead station alone with a suspected stab wound.

The male Staffordshire bull terrier, thought to be about eight years old, was spotted by staff who called the charity at around midday on Saturday.

RSPCA inspector Rowena Proctor said: “The poor boy was crying out, whimpering and clearly in some distress. He had a one inch wound to his back, which was infected. I took him straight to the vets who say that the injury definitely appears to have been caused by a sharp object. At this point, we don't know if this has been an accident or if someone has done this on purpose to him."

Anyone with information can call the RSPCA on 0300-1238018.

He remains under vet treatment in RSPCA care whilst the investigation continues.