WEST Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have released a statement following the 'distressing' incidents that led to the death of a cat. 

Rescue services were called to Peel Park, Bradford at around 8:30pm on Saturday evening to reports of a cat in distress at the lake at Peel Park.

Crews attended from Bradford and a firefighter went into the water wearing a dry suit and life jacket to rescue the kitten which had been thrown into the lake sellotaped in a box in a heavy-duty bag.

The incident has been described as 'a distressing case of unimaginable animal cruelty' by the service. 

A spokesperson at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “This is a distressing case of unimaginable cruelty, which led to the death of a kitten.

"We were called at around 8.30pm on Saturday to reports of a cat in distress at the lake at Peel Park.

"Crews attended from Bradford, and a firefighter went into the water wearing a dry suit and life jacket, using a wading pole to reach the kitten.

"Once brought onto dry land the kitten was handed over to Bradford Cat Watch Rescue and Sanctuary.

"We left the scene at around 9.30pm.”

A councillor also spoke out about the "heartbreaking" incident.

Councillor Suhail Choudhry (Lab, Bolton and Undercliffe) said "no animal should be treated in such a manner".