AN abandoned dog who had been locked in a flat for at least a month has been rescued by Essex Police.

Max, the 18-month-old black and brown Rottweiler, was found locked in a lounge at a flat in Colchester.

PC Josh Allgood and Special Constable Lee Upton were called with other officers to the flat, after reports were made by neighbours of a dog barking.

The neighbours also said they had not seen the tenant of the flat for a while.

PC Allgood forced entry into the flat and found the dog.

He said: “Max was severely malnourished and was in a poor state when we reached him. He had dead fur and overgrown claws.

“The situation at the flat was sad, and, of course, it was imperative we got Max out of there as soon as possible.”

Max is now at an RSPCA centre. The owner will be investigated for animal cruelty.

Colchester officers have issued a plea for residents to be aware of the signs of animal neglect and to report any suspicions they have to the RSPCA or to the police.

PC Allgood said: “If you hear prolonged dog barking from a neighbour’s house please ring the RSPCA, or if you have concerns for the occupant of the address, please ring police.

“We can’t let animals suffer like this”.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact PC Allgood at Colchester LPT on 101.