TWO suspected tortoise smugglers have been arrested at Stanstead Airport after police found seven of the creatures hidden in their luggage.

Officers intercepted the 41-year-old man and 42-year-old woman, from Walthamstow, at the airport after they were tipped off that the pair could be carrying some of the endangered species.

After the couple were arrested, police raided their home in Walthamstow, where they found two more tortoises and an Asian pit viper.

The couple flew in from Corfu International Airport.

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