Police are looking to speak to the owner of the dog that mauled Freddie Mercury the seal, who was sadly euthanised after being attacked by the 'out of control' canine.
Freddie - named after the Queen singer after entertaining locals along the River Thames - was attacked on Sunday near Hammersmith Bridge, suffering 'serious' wounds including a bite to his right flipper.
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The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) confirmed that the animal later had to be euthanised, as the extent of his injuries meant it became 'impossible' to treat him and return him to the wild.
The Metropolitan Police has since said officers are investigating the incident, and that the force is now looking to speak to the owner of the dog.
It also called for any witnesses to come forward to help with the ongoing enquiries.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: "Police are investigating the death of a seal after it was injured by a dog on the River Thames near Hammersmith Bridge.
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"Officers attended the location at approximately 12.39 on Sunday, March 21 along 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 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. Enquiries continue.
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"The RSPCA has been informed."
The BDMLR said it had contacted a number of marine mammal veterinarians in the UK and the Netherlands, but that ultimately it became clear that Freddie needed to be put down 'for his welfare'.
An update on the BDMLR Facebook page thanked those involved in Freddie's rescue, and for the 'huge outpouring of support' that followed.
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It said: "We are all absolutely gutted to hear about the extent of the injuries Freddie suffered, and highlights yet again the serious problems that can arise when humans and dogs encounter wild animals.
"We hope that his story will go a long way to helping educate people to look up and follow the appropriate guidelines for how to behave respectfully around wild animals and not cause disturbance or worse to them."
The post added: "All we can hope now is that people can learn from this and help keep our wildlife safe."
A Facebook message from South Essex Wildlife Hospital, which helped treat Freddie, also said: "Please folks do not go near seals and always, always, keep dogs on leads and under control."
Featured Image Credit: South Essex Wildlife Hospital