Five rare salamanders stolen from Colchester Zoo were still missing today.

Missing - five salamanders like this one

Glen Fairweather, senior reptile keeper, said it was heartbreaking that the striking black-and-yellow fire salamanders, which he and his team raised from tadpoles, have been taken.

Thieves are thought to have taken the 1in to 2in-long reptiles from a tank in a private corridor of the aquatic house on Thursday.

The salamanders are not considered dangerous but they do have poisonous glands.

Det Sgt Roger Napier, of Colchester CID, has asked anyone with information to call Colchester police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Published Tuesday, April 9, 2002