The RSPCA is appealing for information about a cat which was found hanging from a washing line in Beccles, Suffolk.Lily, a grey long-haired cat, was discovered in a garden on Denmark Road at 3.

The RSPCA is appealing for information about a cat which was found hanging from a washing line in Beccles, Suffolk.

Lily, a grey long-haired cat, was discovered in a garden on Denmark Road at 3.10pm on Friday, November 6.

The four-year-old cat had been tied to the washing line by a length of cord which was knotted around her waist. A passer-by heard Lily's screams and freed her, taking her straight to a veterinary surgery.

Lily had no use of her back legs and she had swallowed part of the cord, possibly where she had bitten at it in a desperate attempt to free herself.

The RSPCA was contacted and traced Lily's owners who also live on Denmark Road. Despite veterinary treatment Lily had to be put to sleep a few days later because of her injuries.

It is not known how long the cat had been there, but her owner let her out with their other cat, 'Posh', on Thursday 5 at midnight after the fireworks had stopped. Only Posh returned the next morning.

RSPCA inspector Ben Kirby said: 'This was clearly a despicable thing to do to an animal. Lily had no chance of freeing herself and was effectively just left to die.

'We think this may have happened at some time on the Friday as Lily had some strength left and her screams would have been heard before had she been there longer than a few hours.

'If anyone saw who did this, or has any information about the incident, they should contact us as soon as possible.'

Those with information should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.

Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a �20,000 fine.