A TORTOISE has been stolen from a shed in Hastings Avenue at Margate. The owner of the house spotted a man in her shed on Monday afternoon. She shouted at him and he ran off.

The 80-year-old pet, which had been hibernating in the shed, was later found to be missing. The thief was aged about 20, 5ft 10in tall, and wearing a black woollen hat.

A police spokeswoman said: "Tortoises are very rare, and this one has a chip in its shell, near its hind leg, so is even more distinctive. At this time of year, they should be asleep.

"If the animal is not looked after properly it could be very serious. Anybody who has seen the tortoise, or been offered one, should contact us on Thanet 231055."