Overview

• Seven Aldabra giant tortoises, a vulnerable species, were found dead in Ashclyst Forest, Devon, on National Trust land.
• Two of the tortoises were discovered on January 8 and another five were found nearby on January 12.
• Devon and Cornwall Police have launched an investigation to establish the circumstances of the deaths and to identify those responsible.
• The police are appealing to the public for information, particularly 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.
• The National Trust and the RSPCA have also urged the public to come forward with any information.