A heartbroken woman is appealing for her prized tortoise, Baby, to be returned home after it was allegedly kidnapped.

Linda Hay, of King Edward's Grove, Teddington, thought Baby would be safe in the garden, her usual stomping ground. But when she went out to check on her, she had disappeared.

Now she fears the worst for the Herman's tortoise, who is in her 30s.

She said: "I think she got out down the side of the house and a neighbour told me she was picked up by someone who said they were going to take her to the vet.

"I have checked in all the vets round here and no-one has seen her.

"I'm angry - she is like a child to me. For someone to take her, I find it absolutely despicable. It says a lot about the society we live in. I just want my baby back."

Linda said Baby had gone missing before, but had always been found.

She added: "She makes me laugh - she is quite comical."

Baby is described as being the size of a dinner plate.

If you think you know where Baby is, contact the newsdesk on 020 8939 1508.