THIEVES stole a tortoise from a children's educational farm by stuffing it into a pocket.

Two-year-old Fergie went missing from Blackberry Farm Park in Whitesmith, near Uckfield, on Saturday.

Police launched an appeal for witnesses and issued CCTV images of a man and a woman suspected of the theft.

Shortly afterwards police announced that Fergie had been returned safe and well.

Police said: "The two-year-old Hermann’s tortoise was stolen from the premises shortly before 5pm on Saturday.

"But following a Sussex Police appeal on social media, he was returned about 11am on Tuesday (today).

"Staff at the farm said he had been reunited with his companion Dexter, and wished to thank everyone for their help and support.

"Fergie and Dexter were donated to the farm by a visitor, and both are microchipped.

"Officers have engaged with the suspects involved and enquiries are ongoing."

Farm owner Paul Harris said: “It’s shocking that someone could do this to a family farm.

"We’re a visitor attraction and we just can’t believe it.

“Fergie had a companion in Dexter, another two-year-old tortoise, and the pair were inseparable.

"Our cat Boots has now taken it upon herself to keep Dexter company, however we’d love for them to be reunited as soon as possible.

“We’re concerned for Fergie’s welfare and we’re urging anyone with any information to contact the police.”

Police said CCTV footage appeared to show a man pick up Fergie, then hand it over to a woman who slips it into the pocket of her hooded top shortly before 5pm on Saturday.

The duo then left the farm with a group of either four or five children and took the 54 bus to Uckfield.

A woman claiming to be one of the suspects later admitted being involved in the crime on Facebook.

A woman posted that she had the turtle, but said another person had taken it because they thought it would be funny.

She said she had spoken to the police and planned to return the creature to the farm.