FIVE hamsters were left to die after being abandoned in a plastic tub by the roadside in Southampton.

A member of the public discovered a plastic tub sitting on the kerb in Lodge Road, Portswood. Inside the tub were five male hamsters, two of which were dead.

The surviving hamsters, which are sandy-and-white and sandy in colour, are described as being adult and lean, but not emaciated.

They are recovering from their ordeal and being cared for at the RSPCA Stubbington Ark Animal Shelter, near Fareham.

The charity has launched a hunt for the people responsible.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA cruelty and information line on 08705 555 999. Calls are treated in strictest confidence.