THREE puppies froze to death after being dumped in a supermarket car park.

The litter, thought to be only a week-old, were found by a shocked worker at the Aldi store in Higher Bridge Street, Bolton.

The three black and tan coloured pups, believed to be a Rottweiler-type breed, were found lying next to a holdall bag.

One had chewing gum stuck to the side of its face suggesting they had been thrown out with rubbish.

Charlotte Melvin, an inspector at Bolton RSPCA, was disgusted by the find.

She said: "It is unnecessary and cruel to dump puppies at any time, never mind in freezing temperatures.

"We were called at about 11am on Monday by a member of staff at the store but believe the puppies were left there on Sunday – or even before that.

"They were right at the back of the building in the car park by the side of a black and orange hold-all bag, so it might be that they tried to climb out of the bag before they died.

"One of the puppies had chewing gum stuck to the side of its face as if they had been chucked out with the trash, which made it so much worse.

"Also we don't know if there are any more puppies still out there. Usually Rottweilers have a larger litter, nearer to eight or nine pups. It's worrying that there might be others."

The Aldi shop worker had covered the dogs with a bin lid to stop them from being seen by morning shoppers.

The RSPCA has since put out an appeal to find the person who dumped them.

Ms Melvin added: "If it is someone who felt that they wouldn't afford to keep them they could have taken them to Bolton RSPCA who would have assisted them.

"If anyone has any idea who did this, or knows a Rottweiler type dog who has recently had puppies, please get in touch by calling 01204 521160."

A representative for Aldi was not available to comment.