A six-month-old kitten found hanged from a beam in a disused garage has prompted an investigation by the RSPCA.

Sono, a male white cat, was found dead in a run-down building in Christchurch Close, Colliers Wood at 9am on Thursday, May 16.

He was discovered by a neighbour putting out the bins in the alleyway behind their house, who looked up to see the horrific sight.

There was a brown cord attached to the beam in the garage at one end, with the other end tied around the cat's neck.

Sono was last seen alive at about 7pm on Wednesday May 14.

Owners believed he was asleep in their daughter's bedroom that evening.

It is not known when the incident took place and neighbours said they didn't hear anything the night before Sono was found.

Mike Beaman, RSPCA inspector, said: "This was a callous, macabre and incredibly distressing incident and one which is very upsetting for the family of the poor cat.

"This was a truly horrible as well as pointless way for Sono to die - he must have suffered immense pain and distress in his final moments."

An RSPCA spokeswoman said the organisation is "in conversation with police" about the incident.

Anyone with any information should call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 in complete confidence.