POLICE were spotted assisting the RSPCA at an address in George Street, Newton Abbot today. Four separate RSPCA vans were accompanied by a police car.

One witness reported seeing a dog being taken by the charity.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman confirmed that a police unit was on-hand to assist the RSPCA with their work.

A spokesman for the animal charity said: "We’re unable to discuss complaints about specific people as releasing information could prejudice a future prosecution or lead to us being fined.

‘We understand how frustrating that is for animal lovers and we’re grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us. We would like to reassure people we will always look into complaints made to us.’An update via Newton Abbot Police station's Twitter account said: 'Today we have been out assisting the RSPCA. 9 dogs and 7 cats were seized from one property.'