A dog was found dead after being tied to a car and dragged along, police have said.
A witness reported seeing a black Porsche Carrera being driven around with a dog tied to the back at the Devils Dyke car park at Brighton, East Sussex, at 10pm on Sunday.
The car was then spotted at 10.30pm on the A27 westbound just pass the Southwick Tunnel still dragging the dead animal along. It then pulled into the layby behind a Tesco store.
When officers arrived they found the dumped body of the dog, a beagle collie-cross, which they took to a local vet.
Pc Scott Walters said: "The injuries this dog suffered were horrific. It has been distressing for everyone involved.
"This is being treated as a deliberate act. Anyone who can help us find those responsible must get in touch."
The dog has been identified and although police have tried a number of times to visit the person believed to be the owner, they have not yet been informed of the death.