Thieves broke into a college in Dorchester in the dead of night and carted four giant tortoises away in wheelbarrows, police believe.

Dorset police are investigating the thefts at Kingston Maurward college, which happened overnight on Thursday.

The thieves gained entry to a shed on the site and took four Sulcata tortoises - three female and one male.

Wheelbarrows were used to transport the animals. Photograph: Kingston Maurward college/PA

The animals are called Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, all aged 11, and 24-year-old Jeffery.

It is thought the thieves entered on foot from the rear entrance to the college and used wheelbarrows belonging to the establishment to transport the animals to a vehicle before driving off.

The tortoises are around 40cm to 50cm long and 30cm wide. They are all micro-chipped.

Police say they are ‘desperate’ to reunite the tortoises with the college. Photograph: Kingston Maurward college/PA

PC Chris Stephens, who is investigating the thefts, said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious overnight in the area to please come forward.

“If you have any information that could assist with the investigation or have seen tortoises for sale in suspicious circumstances, please contact Dorset police urgently.

“We are desperate to reunite them with the college to ensure they are appropriately cared for.”