A FAMILY has been left devastated after thieves stole two African tortoise from their garden shed in Stretford.

The targeted raid by two men, which was captured on CCTV, show them stealing Laurel and Hardy, from the house on Barton Road, overnight on Tuesday/Wednesday.

Anthony and Elaine O'Shea who have had the pair for seven years said they had named them Laurel and Hardy, before subsequently discovering they were male and female.

"The loss of them has devastated the family because we were so used to them roaming around both the house and the garden."

However, what makes the pair even more distinctive is that Anthony painted white spots on their backs after they got lost to view in the deep grass.

"I thought I was being clever in putting two white spots on their backs but then we had a fall of cherry blossom which stuck to their shells and they looked quite a sight!"

Mr O'Shea said the CCTV showed two males stealing Laurel and Hardy from the shed.

"Because the white spots have remained on their backs, these two are very distinctive and are between 14 and 15 inches in length and weigh 15 kilos each.

He added: "If anyone knows anything or is offered any tortoises can you please inbox me and let me know. There will be a substantial reward for their return- no questions asked!"

If you have any idea where the pair are contact the newsdesk on 0161 848 5236 or send an e-mail to sam.editorial@messengergrp.co.uk