TWO spur-thighed tortoises which need specialist care have been stolen from the West Midlands Safari Park.

Thieves removed the animals from a glass-fronted cage in the reptile house by breaking into the air vents.

The break-in took place some time between 12pm and 5pm on Saturday, May 12, while the park, between Kidderminster and Bewdley, was open to the public.

The five-year-old tortoises, worth £400 each, have a light banana-coloured shell and are around four and five inches in diameter.

"We're very concerned for these tortoises because they need specialist care in a controlled environment," said Safari Park head warden Bob Lawrence.

"They won't survive for long if they're not properly cared for. We would ask anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in or around the reptile house on Saturday, to contact Kidderminster police."

Anyone with information should call the police on 01562 820888 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.