EPPING Forest MP and shadow justice minister Eleanor Laing has criticised Essex Police for its “heavy-handed” treatment of an Epping woman accused of selling rare tortoises illegally.

The Tory MP made her comments following the arrest of Tracy Cooper, who had her home raided by officers clad in bullet-proof vests following allegations that she used her animal sanctuary in Hobbs Cross Road, Theydon Garnon, as a base to illegally sell an endangered species of the animal.

Ms Cooper has protested her innocence and said she was shocked by the police's “extreme” treatment of her, which included a detailed search of her property.

Mrs Laing, who has met with Ms Cooper over the issue, said: “I'm appalled at the heavy-handedness of the police action.

"I understand that animal welfare is very important but it's hard to understand why it took six police officers and several hours of investigation to deal with the matter. I just don't get it."

She added: “It's not for me to say whether or not she broke the regulations but I have sympathy with Ms Cooper's position and that's why I met her as a matter of urgency.”

Ms Cooper has been bailed until December on suspicion of breaching the Control of Trade in Endangered Species regulations following the raid on her home last month.

A spokesman for Essex Police said they could not comment any further because the investigation is still on-going.