The RSPCA is are looking after the animals and thinks they were unwanted Christmas presents. They were found by a dog walker, who took them home before calling for help.

The RSPCA is appealing for any information about the reptiles and where they came from.

Animal collection officer Dennis Lovell said: “Sadly it is not that unusual for terrapins to get dumped like this. Many people bought them on a whim after the ninja turtle films a while back and did not realise how big they can grow, how difficult they can be to care for properly and how expensive they can end up being.”

The RSPCA is urging people to think carefully when taking on exotic pets and to research how big they will grow and what care they need.