Tortoise found on railway tracks is safely home

A daring tortoise seen ambling along a railway line has been returned to its owner.

The four-legged creature, called Tony, had been spotted on the tracks at Southend Central station.

His owner said on social media that Tony had been missing for two weeks prior to being located in Essex.

It followed train operator c2c stating he had been "safely shell-tering" with ticket office staff.

"We imagine he's had one s-hell of a journey but we can confirm taking the train would be quicker for his next adventure," a spokeswoman added.

Responding to the post, several users joked the tortoise was moving faster than the trains.