AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after two hamster were 'thrown out the window of a moving car' in Winchester.

Animal welfare experts at the RSPCA are appealing for witness after the hamsters, which were caged at the time, were found in Swan Lane in the city centre.

The incident is thought to have taken place at around 12.55pm on Tuesday November 27.

RSPCA inspector Jan Edwards, said: “We had a call from a member of the public who’d heard a large bang and when they went outside saw some children with a hamster cage they’d seen thrown from a moving vehicle.

“Inside were two Roborovski hamsters, one of which sadly has injuries to the nose and face.

“I’m now investigating what happened to the hamsters and who was responsible for discarding them in such a dangerous and cruel way.

“I’d like to hear from anyone who may know where they have come from or who saw anything suspicious in the area.

“I’d also like to hear from anyone who recognises the cage, which had clean bedding and water bottles or the box of extra supplies, including sawdust bedding, which was also thrown from the vehicle.”

The hamsters are now being cared for by the team at RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre, in Ringwood, and will be found new homes when they are ready.

Anyone with information is urged to call the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for Inspector Edwards.

This latest incident comes after a hedgehog is believed to have had a plastic wrapped around its neck at Weeke park in Weeke, as reported last week.

It was spotted in time and vets at vets-now.com out of hours clinic in Winnall saved her. She is now recovering at the home of one of the nurses.