Several animals in need of 'urgent care' were rescued from a house in Oxfordshire following the arrest of four people on suspicion of drug dealing. 

Four cats, one kitten and a terrapin were located in a property in Abingdon. 

On July 3, four people were taken into custody following a police operation in the town. 

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The animals were located within a linked property and were in need of immediate veterinary attention.

A police spokesperson said: "They have since received the care that they needed and are now being looked after and will soon hopefully be rehomed.

"Thank you to all that assisted with the aftercare of these animals."

Last Monday (July 3), officers from the Tasking Team witnessed drug dealing activity in the vicinity of Tower Close in the town.

Following this, a 40 year old male from Abingdon, a 21 year old male from Oxford and a 37 year old female from Abingdon were arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences.

A 28 year old male from Reading was also arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences and possession of an offensive weapon.

More than £2,000 was recovered as well as several mobile phones.

It comes after a rise in reports of animal beatings across Oxfordshire was revealed by new RSPCA data earlier this month. 

There were 105 incidents of animal beatings in Oxfordshire last year – up from 89 in 2021.