Members of the public have saved five tiny kittens that were found dumped in a Mitcham swamp.

The rescuers Colin, Lorraine, Adela and Cashanna had all been in the area separately but rallied together to save the kittens, who were inside a shoe box which was inside a bin bag

Cashanna had been walking along a woodland pathway which connects Colliers Wood to Mitcham when she heard what sounded like an animal crying.

She searched further and noticed a bin bag in the middle of the swamp, which kept moving and she knew something was trapped inside.

Wimbledon Times:

Adela was passing and stopped to help. Colin and Lorraine then arrived and they also tried to get to the kittens. All three cut their arms and legs as they tried to get through the thorny undergrowth.

Once they managed to get the bag out they discovered a shoebox inside which the kittens were in. The rescuers then rushed to get a box and some towels to dry and warm up the shivering and sodden kittens before taking them to a local vet for immediate treatment.

The incident was at a swamp area in the vicinity of Victoria Road in Mitcham on July 19.

Wimbledon Times:

The youngsters were all soaking wet but alive. The kittens were later collected from the vet and taken to RSPCA Putney Animal Hospital by RSPCA inspector Gemma Gumbleton.

“I am actually horrified to think that someone has deliberately dumped these kittens in a swamp area," Ms Gumbleton said.

"If they hadn’t have been found then they would almost certainly have died.

“I cannot thank the members of the public enough for rescuing these kittens, it’s just so lucky that they spotted the bag moving and went to investigate.

“All the kittens were soaking wet and cold and probably wouldn’t have lasted much longer if they hadn’t have been found. They were also covered in fleas.

Wimbledon Times:

“I am investigating this incident and would urge anyone with information to call me in confidence on the RSPCA inspector appeal line by calling 0300 123 8018.”

The kittens, four girls and one boy, are now almost seven weeks old and are being cared for at RSPCA Southall Cattery - they have been named Tommy Jnr, Maura, Amber, Amy and Molly-Mae - after the cast from Love Island.

The box the kittens were found in was a Fila shoe box.