RSPCA and police officers were called to investigate reports of suspected animal suffering.

Representatives from the RSPCA and Essex Police officers descended on a property in Defoe Crescent, in Colchester, yesterday afternoon.

It is understood the animal welfare organisation executed a warrant as part of an investigation into reports of suspected animal suffering.

Although no specific details have been released by the RSPCA to the Gazette, the charity has confirmed an operation was carried out in the area.

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: "Unfortunately we are unable to discuss complaints about specific individuals.

“We understand how frustrating that is for animal lovers but releasing information could prejudice an investigation or could lead to us being fined.

“We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and would like to reassure people we will always look into complaints about animal welfare.”

An eyewitness, who lives nearby but has asked to remain anonymous, said he saw multiple animals being removed from the property.

He said: “There was about six police vehicles and God knows how many RSPCA vans and they had been there since about lunchtime.

“I don’t know what was going on and because there were a lot of police. They were removing animals.”