Numerous exotic animal skulls have been seized by Suffolk police at an auction house. 

Monkey, canine, turtle, baboon, and big cat skulls were withdrawn from Beccles Auctions in Ellough industrial estate. 

The police attended the action's house "pre sale" and removed the skulls that were advertised online. 

It was said that a number of the items at the auction had received bids before the listings were withdrawn.

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Beccles Auctions said: "We have assisted the police with their inquiries.

"The matter is now closed."

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates what can be sold to ensure "international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species".

A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said: “Officers attended the auction house pre-sale and removed various exotic animal skulls that had been advertised online.

"It is understood the items are likely to be antique but it is believed they are still subject to specific CITES regulations prior to being able to offer for sale.

"The auctioneers are assisting Police with their inquiries while awaiting formal assessment of the items.”

An antique human skull was also up for auction and advertised as having been used by surgeons for training, and other skulls appear to have been sold including goat, horse, and rodent ones.

Beccles Auctions opened in June 2023 by husband and wife team, David and Beverley. 

It auctions a wide range of items including gold, silver, jewellery, figurines, military, medals, collectables, coins, vintage, watches, toys, games, postcards, stamps, ephemera, fishing, and more via monthly timed online auctions.