THREE “distressed” cats were found inside a sealed box in a lay-by off the A120 near Harwich.

The black and white male, ginger and white female and tortoiseshell female were all found crammed inside the red box with black lid on the morning of October 9.

One small cut had been made on the top of the box, but it was thoroughly sealed with duct tape.

The cats have now been taken into RSPCA care and are making a good recovery.

Anyone with any information about how they came to be dumped like this should contact the RSPCA on 03001234999.