A DEAD fox was found locked inside a CAGE in popular city park.

The shocking discovery was made by a passer-by who spotted the animal hidden in bramble bushes at Stanmer Park on Monday.

The carcass was found curled up in a metal cat basket which had been sealed shut with cable ties.

The RSPCA were called to the grim scene.

The charity's deputy chief inspector, Charlotte Baumann, said: “I can think of no obvious reason why somebody would do this.

“It seems the fox had only recently died.

“At this stage we don’t know if he was put in there to die or if he was already dead when he was put into the cage.

“There is no obvious cause of death at this stage, it really is a mystery.

“Potentially this cage as been used as some kind of makeshift trap.

“Sadly some people do have a negative view of foxes but there is never any excuse to harm a living creature.

“If anyone does have any information about this they can ring our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”