Charity plea after giant tortoises found dead in Devon

The National Trust said dead tortoises were left at the entrance to Ashclyst Forest

An animal charity has issued an appeal for information after seven giant tortoises were found dead in woodland near Exeter.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the tortoises were found in Ashclyst Forest, on the National Trust's Killerton Estate.

Two of the tortoises were found dead on 8 January, and a further five were found on Friday, police said.

The RSPCA said it wanted to "find out what happened" to the animals.

A total of seven tortoises were found dead

The charity said: "While Devon and Cornwall Police are leading on this matter, we would like to find out what happened to these animals. 

"If any members of the public have any information about the tortoises, including who might have owned them, we would ask them to contact us on the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018."

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

The tortoises were found dead in Ashclyst Forest in Devon

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

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."