TWO male tortoises have been left lovesick after thieves stole their pregnant girlfriends.

Now the owner of Aquamania pet shop, Kent Street, Blackburn, has offered a "substantial reward" for the safe return of Horsfield tortoises Becky and Lauren.

Ashley Cook said he believed the pair could die if they don't receive specialist care, particularly if, as he believes, they are pregnant.

Police believe the crea-tures were targeted because they are worth around £300 each.

Mr Cook said he bought the eight-year-old tortoises, native to central Asia, to breed with two males Ian and Gaz, who are said to be "pining" for their partners.

"You can tell they are really missing them, they are showing signs of distress," he said.

"They won't eat anything, it's awful to see them like this."

The reptiles, also known as Russian tortoises, were stolen from the shop around lunchtime on Sunday.

Mr Cook said: "We think they are already carrying eggs. We just want them returned safe and well.

"We are concerned that the person who took them may not know how to keep them properly and will put them in danger.

"The person who did this is cruel."

The pair are around eight inches in size, have dark patches on a sandy coloured shell and a round-ed outline.

They also have a claw on the tip of their tails.

Leanne Goacher, of the RSPCA, said: "All animals suffer from stress, which they would be especially susceptible to, if taken out of their usual environment.

"Exotic animals, when living in unsuitable circumstances, can deteriorate quite quickly and obviously need access to a specialist vet to treat them."

PC Michael Smith said: "We are investigating the incident."

Anyone with information should contact police on 08451 253545 or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.