A dog was found "bludgeoned beyond recognition" just yards away from where swans have been mutilated in Thamesmead.

The RSPCA is appealing for information after the springer spaniel's body was found close to Southmere Lake in Belvedere Road on Saturday morning (January 6).

Paul West, one of the organisers of Thamesmead Swan Patrol, made the grisly discovery after he finished his round checking on the swans.

Mr West said he "went to pieces" when he found the dog, originally fearing it was a swan.

He said: "I saw it out of the corner of my eye and thought, 'oh my God, that's a swan'. Then as I got closer and shone my torch, I saw the little body. Its skull and face had been bludgeoned beyond recognition."

Mr West said he does not think the animal's death is linked to a recant spate of attacks on swans that sparked his wildlife volunteer protection group.

He said: "The injuries are different, it's not the same to how it was with the swans."

The RSPCA is trying to track down the dog's owners and is appealing for information about how the dog died.

Inspector Nicholas Wheelhouse said: "This is a very shocking and upsetting discovery, and I am very keen to find this dog's owners.

"She is a one-year-old liver and white springer spaniel, and although she has a microchip, there are no owner details registered so currently I'm not able to trace an owner.

"I'm really keen to find out more about this dog and how she sadly came to be found dead in this quiet area.

"Initial checks by a vet have shown that she suffered catastrophic injuries to her upper and lower jaws and to her head, but I am waiting for the results of further tests to determine if this was as a result of her being hit by a vehicle, or possibly an extremely cruel act by a person."

Anyone with information can call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.