Police are appealing for help after seven dead giant tortoises were found dumped in the Mid Devon area last week.

Two bodies were found in a wooded area roughly north-east of Exeter on Monday, January 8, and five more were discovered nearby on Friday, January 12.

The dead animals are believed to be Aldabra giant tortoises, one of the world’s largest tortoises and a species that is under threat of extinction. Some individuals have been known to live for more than 200 years in normal conditions.

Police are investigating the circumstances given the unusual type of incident and are appealing to the public to help determine the animals’ origin and assist in the investigation of potential criminal offences.

Inspector 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.”

Anyone with relevant information should contact police via its website here or by calling 101, quoting 50240006127.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org, or by calling freephone 0800 555111.