RSPCA inspectors are hunting the person who left four piglets for dead after dumping them in a Hampshire car park.

The discovery was made by a passer-by who spotted the pigs inside a wicker basket normally used to carry pigeons.

After being checked out by a vet the quartet, named Rosemary, Holly, Lily and Ivy, were taken to the Stubbington Ark near Fareham to recuperate.

Manager of the Ark Mike Ward said: "The piglets' increasing size may have been the reason why they were suddenly dumped, which is very sad as they would have been very vulnerable despite their stocky frames. They are being hand-fed at the moment and getting lots of fuss from everyone who sees them."

The bottom of the basket the pigs were found in had all but rotted away through being covered in excrement, indicating the pigs may well have spent most of their lives in it.

The pigs are believed to be of the Kune Kune breed which are commonly kept as pets.

The find has sparked an investigation by RSPCA officers who are trying to find who dumped the pigs in the Waterlooville car park last Friday night.

Spokeswoman for the RSPCA Lucy Clark said: "The Ark is still scaling down farmyard facilities as part of our cost-cutting programme but these pigs were taken in because we will be seeking a prosecution in this case."

She added they would also be looking for new homes for the pigs and that anyone interested in taking them on should contact the Ark on 01329 667541.