Tortoise stolen from Edinburgh's Butterfly World

A tortoise has been stolen from Edinburgh's Butterfly World.

Huck the red-footed tortoise is believed to have been taken from his enclosure in the centre near Dalkeith between midday and 2pm yesterday.

Staff at the centre contacted police after they noticed he was missing yesterday afternoon.

Inquiries are ongoing to trace whoever is responsible and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Constable Ian Worrall from Dalkeith Police station said: "Huck is a very popular attraction at Butterfly World and the staff are very concerned that he may not be getting looked after properly following his theft.

"He requires special lamps and a specialist diet otherwise his health could be seriously affected and we are treating this matter very seriously.

"If you have information that can assist with our inquiries then please contact police immediately."

A spokesperson for Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World said: “We are working closely with the police and are doing everything we can to try and get Huck back safe and sound as soon as possible.

"The welfare and safety of our animals is of the utmost importance to us and we are reviewing our procedures internally to prevent something like this happening again."