A KITTEN was thrown from a moving car on a busy dual carriageway before being hit by several vehicles.

Now police - who described the incident as "horrifying" - and the RSPCA are hunting the driver responsible.

Shocked motorists witnessed the kitten being hit by cars after being hurled from the window of a dark blue Ford Focus on the A64 in York, near the Fulford junction.

RSPCA inspector Tom Hutton said that the kitten’s body has yet to be found.

He said: “This would have been a very upsetting incident to witness.

“We are told by those who reported it to us that the kitten was a tortie and was hit by several cars on the road. Sadly the kitten’s body has not yet been recovered.

“The incident happened on the A64 near York around the Fulford junction area, and the car was at the time heading eastbound towards Scarborough.

“The car was being driven by a white male in his late 60s or early 70s.

“The roads were busy at the time and so we are urging anyone who witnessed this to contact us on 0300 123 8018.

“It is very concerning that an animal was treated this way. Those caring for animals have a legal responsibility to ensure their pets do not suffer unnecessarily.”

North Yorkshire Police said officers were working with the RSPCA to identify the driver responsible.

A spokesman said: “Around 5pm on Thursday, September 5, we received a call from a member of the public who had witnessed a driver throwing a kitten out of a moving car on the eastbound carriageway of the A64 near the Fulford junction.

“This is a horrifying incident as kittens are so young and vulnerable. This kitten should still have been with its mother or in the care of an animal welfare organisation like Cats Protection - not thrown out like rubbish on the side of a road and left to die.

“The kitten appeared to be a mixed tabby. We are working with the RSPCA to investigate this and we are appealing for anyone who might have information or dashcam footage to get in touch with North Yorkshire Police.”

A spokesman for Cats Protection York said: “What makes it worse is that these incidents are so unnecessary as we have a number of neutering campaigns across the UK where we can help.

“The best way to reduce the overwhelming number of unwanted kittens is to neuter your cat as soon as it turns four months old.”

People who are struggling to look after their kittens or with the cost of neutering a cat can contact York Cats Protection on 01904 760356.

Anyone who can help the investigation can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, and quote reference number 12190166677.