A Norfolk family have been left devastated by the theft of three beloved tortoises which the family has owned for 28 years.

Theresa Norton, 51, of Karen Close, Scole said she went into her back garden on Saturday morning (May 26) to check on the welfare of the three tortoises, aged 14, 19 and 21, only to find they had been taken along with the plastic house in which they were kept.

She believed the thieves had entered the garden through a gate which was open when she went to check on the pets and is offering a reward for information that leads to the safe return of the tortoises, which are well loved by her three children.

She said: 'It has been devastating, especially for my daughter. I can't sleep or eat anything at the moment, i am so worried about them.'

The pets were taken between 11pm on Friday (May 25) and 6am the following day (Saturday, May 26).

Anyone with information should phone Ms Norton on 01379 742584 or 07501 697328.