Locally famous seal 'Freddie Mercury' dies after vicious dog attack

Police are investigating the death of a seal, named locally as Freddie, after it was injured by a dog on the River Thames near Hammersmith Bridge on Sunday (21 March).

Freddie the pup was lying by a canoe slip at 12.45pm when he was set upon by the dog which did not have a lead on.

Horrified passers-by tried to help but struggled to get the dog away from the seal.

Dramatic and graphic images of the dog attack can be seen on our Teddington Nub News sister site.

Officers attended the location with colleagues from the London Fire Brigade.

They recovered the young pup from the river bank and it was taken to a rescue centre for treatment, but unfortunately had to be put down later, due to injuries sustained in the incident.

Officers are looking to identify witnesses and to speak to the owner of the dog involved.

Anyone with information can contact 101 and quote '0702604/21'.

A police spokesperson said: "Our enquiries continue, but we would like to thank the members of the public that stepped in to assist Freddie during the incident."

The RSPCA has been informed.