Seven giant tortoises found dead in woodland near Exeter

Police said the dead animals were thought to be Aldabra giant tortoises, like this one

Several giant tortoises have been found dead in woodland owned by the National Trust in Devon.

Devon and Cornwall Police said seven dead tortoises were found in Ashclyst Forest, to the north of Exeter.

Two of the tortoises were found on 8 January, and another five were found nearby on Friday, officers said.

The National Trust said its teams were "horrified" when the animals were found and anyone with any information should contact police.

The force said they were thought to be Aldabra giant tortoises - classed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Police said inquiries were under way to identify the owners and establish the circumstances surrounding the animals' deaths and the disposal of their bodies.

The tortoises were found dead in Ashclyst Forest in Devon

Aldabra giant tortoises

• Aldabra tortoises, together with their distantly-related cousins, the Galapagos giant tortoise, are the largest species of tortoise in the world

• They can live for more than 150 years, with some shells reaching over 1m (3.2ft) in length

• The species is classed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature

• They are kept at several wildlife parks in the UK and also in private collections

Local resident Peter Labdon regularly visits the area for exercise and said: "It seems quite horrifying... considering the length of time that they can live, it's a dreadful shame."

Officers are asking the public to get in touch with any information.

Insp Mark Arthurs said: "We are appealing to members of the public for information to try to establish the circumstances around this discovery and to identify those responsible.

"We would ask that if anyone knows anything, they get in touch.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who has recently purchased a giant tortoise in the area or knows of anyone who normally has a large number of tortoises but has fewer now."

Peter Labdon said the deaths were horrifying

The National Trust confirmed the animals were found on its land on the Killerton Estate.

It said: "Teams were horrified to discover that five deceased large tortoises were left at the entrance to Ashclyst Forest. 

"Two giant tortoises were discovered in a similar area in the previous week. All the tortoises have been removed.

"Police are investigating and anyone with any information is asked to contact them."