The case of the little kitten dumped and left to die in a rubbish bin at a block of flats in Winchester has taken a new turn.

The RSPCA launched a door-to door inquiry to find the person responsible after the two-week old tabby was found, emaciated and soaking wet in a refuse bin at Woolford Close, Stanmore.

It died soon afterwards despite efforts to save it.

A few days later, the RSPCA heard from a resident of Forder Court, in St Cross, who had four kittens in a cardboard box. They were thought to be from the same litter as the kitten found at Stanmore.

They, too, were wet and cold, but now they are all "doing famously" being looked after at Stubbington Ark and would be ready for rehoming in nine weeks.

"They're the same size, age and the spitting image of the first one that was found. It's just too much of a coincidence," said RSPCA inspector, Jan Edwards.

She said she had been unsuccessful in her efforts to gather information about the litter.

"It's very sad and frustrating not to know what has happened and that I can't find the person responsible," she said.

"I still believe someone knows something. It makes me wonder about the condition of the mum. I just don't understand why someone felt this was the only option."

She urges anyone with information to ring the cruelty hotline, 08705-555999.