Illegal tortoises believed to have been smuggled from Morocco have been seized by police.

Officers recovered three Sulcatas from a property off London Road, Dartford, last month.

The reptiles, which range between 5-7cm long, have been taken to London where they are safe and well at Heathrow Animal Reception Centre.

Police spokesman Charlotte North said: "No arrests have been made and the police investigation is still ongoing."

The Sulcata is also known as the African spurred tortoise and can usually be found near the southern edge of the Saharan desert.

It is the largest species of mainland tortoise and third largest in general.

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