A fundraising effort to raise £10,000 for the two charities which treated Freddie the seal is nearing its target.

Freddie Mercury the habour seal was hugely popular with locals in Richmond and wider South West London.

Tragically Freddie was attacked by a dog and had to be put down earlier this week.

Two petitions have attracted thousands of signatures in the wake of his death.

Hundreds of people have also donated to an online fundraising page for the British Divers Marine Life Rescue and South Essex Wildlife Hospital whose vets cared for Freddie.

Rebecca Da Re who started the fundraising effort told Richmond Nub News: "It's been incredibly successful, raising almost £10,000 in just a few days with donations coming in from across the world.

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"Freddie had a wonderful story from a tiny pup to arriving here in Barnes. We used to visit him most days.

"These heroic organisations rescue wildlife week after week and first met Freddie as a newborn arriving from Norway."

She added: "Sadly, dog attacks on wildlife are on the increase; almost doubling each week.

"We're hoping with all of this we can further raise awareness of how much we need to appreciate and protect the incredible wildlife in the UK, educate both children and adults about how best we can enjoy their presence but also make sure they are kept safe and protected."