Four young kittens were found abandoned in a cardboard box with no ventilation holes.

The RSPCA believes the kittens, which were dumped in an alleyway opposite the fire station between Carterhatch Lane and Central Avenue, Enfield, were no older than seven weeks.

They were found on April 13, and Nicole Smith, an inspector at the animal charity, has now released an appeal for information about who left the kittens or who had owned them.

She said: “They were left inside a Nike box and the delivery label had been removed.

“Thankfully they were found by a member of the public - as there were no ventilation holes in the box - and the temperature that day reached 21 degrees.”

This Is Local London: They were left in a cardboard box without ventilation holesThey were left in a cardboard box without ventilation holes (Image: RSPCA)

The kittens, which were discovered on April 13, have since been homed at the RSPCA central London branch and named Loretta, Nancy, Marlowe and Bernadette.

Nicole said: “It’s really sad to think someone just abandoned them in this way. We understand the financial difficulties some people are experiencing right now, however abandoning your pet is never the answer.

“There is help and support available and - as we all strive to create a better world for every animal - we would urge people to contact their vets, local rescues and animal welfare charities.”

Anyone who has information about the kittens is asked to call the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0300 123 8018 quoting incident 01249136.