THE owners of a 30-year-old tortoise believe he was stolen after a birthday party.

Sam, who went missing from a home in Charlecote Close, Ipsley, on Saturday, October 23, is a spur-thighed tortoise with long back claws and a scar on the top of his neck.

Pc Rachel Southan said: "He has been with the family for many years and the loss of their pet is causing them great distress. We'd appeal to anyone with information to get in touch so we can reunite them."

Anyone with information can 08457 444888.