Dead tortoises 'dumped like rubbish' in woods

The RSPCA said the lid of the box had been punctured with air holes

Tortoises found dead in woodland may have been alive when they were "dumped like rubbish", the RSPCA said.

The two reptiles were discovered by a member of the public in Peterswood in Harlow, Essex, on 11 March, with the charity appealing for information about their owner.

Animal rescue officer Nick Jonas said it was "really upsetting" they had been discarded in a carrier bag and shoebox.

"What is even more heartbreaking is that the shoebox had air holes stabbed in it - suggesting that the tortoise may well have been alive when left," he added.