AN urgent hunt is underway to find a sick turtle roaming a Southend park amid fears it has been abandoned by its owner.

Southend resident Tracy Woolner spotted the creature when she was taking a stroll in Southchurch Hall Park earlier this week.

Tracy says the turtle appeared to be suffering with extreme sores on its face.

Despite her best efforts to get help, the turtle eventually disappeared out of sight and hasn’t been seen since.

An appeal to find the creature has been posted on Facebook and has been widely shared by worried residents.

The warden who looks after Southchurch Park, along with the head of Southchurch Hall Inspirational Parkers, Patricia Sampson, have both searched for the turtle themselves but have not been able to find a trace.

Patricia said: “I hope it has not been ill treated as we have seen evidence of this happening recently.”

Experts believe the turtle has likely been dumped and abandoned in the park by its owner.

The Essex Wildlife trust said: “Terrapins are not native to the UK and were likely released after being pets. Southchurch Hall Park is not one of Essex Wildlife Trust’s sites.”

The number of pet terrapin turtles released into British waterways have now made them an ‘invasive alien species under the Invasive Alien Species Order 2019.

The rules surrounding invasive species allow experts with the correct training and equipment to humanely dispose of the animal.

Members of the public who find one however should contact a vet or the RSCPA immediately.

The RSPCA says reports of a turtle in Southchurch Hall Park highlight the need for prospective pet owners to consider whether they are able to correctly look after exotic animals.

A spokesman added: “We would strongly urge people to think carefully first before buying an exotic pet so they know what is involved and how long the commitment will be for.”

Southend Council has confirmed it has been informed of the turtle on the loose and say park wardens will take it to a vets when captured.