The RSPCA is searching for the owner of a dog that was found in a car park in St Albans with a towel and a pile of dry dog food.

The large tan-coloured dog, a mastiff cross, was extremely thin and his spine, hips and ribs were visible when he was discovered in Station Road, Smallford.

He was spotted at around 6am on Sunday, March 2 by a passerby, and is now in the care of the animal welfare charity.

RSPCA inspector Tina Ward said: “We know from his microchip that he is called Strally and lived in Welwyn Garden City but his owners have moved and not left a forwarding address.

“The woman who found him thought he was dying because he was howling so distressingly. He was sitting on the ground beside a black towel and refusing to move.

“She stayed with him for more than three hours until we could get out to him.

“I think he was just terribly distressed, confused and lonely.”

She added: “He was checked over by a vet and apart from being very thirsty, thin, out of condition and had sore feet, he was bright and everyone who has handled him, from the police to the vets and ourselves, agree that he is an extremely lovely, friendly chap.”

Anyone with any information should contact the inspector information line 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for inspector Ward.