FEARS were growing today that there could be more kittens whose lives are at risk in a Hampshire tower block after one was dumped down a rubbish chute.

The worry comes after a tiny kitten less than two weeks old was starved, almost drowned and then thrown out with the bins and left for dead.

As reported in yesterday's Daily Echo, only her loud miaowing, which was heard by residents in the block, led to her rescue.

But sadly the tiny feline died shortly after being retrieved from a carrier bag she had been wrapped in.

Today RSPCA officials hunting the killer were continuing door-to-door inquiries on the estate in Stanmore, Winchester.

There are major concerns there could be other vulnerable kittens in the litter - possibly up to eight - and a sick mother.

The animal welfare charity pledged to follow up every possible lead to track down the person who carried out the cruel act.

Window cleaner Graeme Coombes, who discovered the kitten in the bins at Woolford Close, said: "Whoever did this needs shooting."

RSPCA inspector Jan Edwards, leading the inquiry, was due to return to the tower block today to carry out further investigations.

Charity spokeswoman Jo Barr said: "We are concerned because a cat would normally have more than one kitten. You are usually looking at three or four but it can be anything up to seven or eight."

She added: "We are grateful to the Daily Echo for publicising this distressing incident.

"It is early days in our investigation but we hope the article may jog someone's memory.

"We are convinced that someone out there knows something. It is highly unlikely that the person who did this would not have any family, friends or visitors. We would urge anyone with information to come forward as a matter of urgency. There could be other kittens out there that we could help."

The charity is liasing with vets in the Winchester area and other animal welfare groups to see if anyone has been approached about unwanted kittens.

Any information can be passed in confidence via the RPSCA's cruelty hotline on 08705 555 999.