A tortoise that has belonged to a Kent woman for 43 years is still feared to have been stolen.

When Sue Gaskin, from East Peckham, went to check on Timmy, an American desert tortoise who is over 50-years-old, on Friday morning she found he was not in his miniature house.

His straw bedding was found in the shape of a ball on the lawn and his size would make it difficult for a predator, such as a fox or cat, to carry him away.

Mrs Gaskin said:"I went to check on him at about 9 or 10am on Friday and he wasn't there.

"He was stolen. There's no doubt about it. He can't walk out of this garden and there's no sign of a hole he would've dug to escape.

"People may say its just a tortoise but he's part of our family, we've had him for so long.

"An animal couldn't have carried him away, he's like a heavy brick. You need two hands to lift him."

For the past 20 years Timmy has had the run of his garden, in Church Lane, and has never tried to escape - although the layout would make it impossible without digging.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Kent Police on 101 quoting crime reference number YY/11571-15.