Freddie the seal is likely to be put down due to injuries he sustained in a dog attack, the hospital treating him said this evening.

The pup known as 'Freddie Mercury' to South West London residents was mauled by an out-of-control dog at Hammersmith Bridge yesterday afternoon.

South Essex Wildlife Hospital have now said that considering the extent of Freddie's injuries and the pain he is suffering, the best option for him is to be put down.

They are now confirming this with the British Divers and Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) who brought Freddie to hospital after the attack.

In a statement posted on their Facebook page this evening, the hospital explained the reason for their decision.

"Ourselves and the experts at British divers marine life rescue have consulted several specialist marine and orthopaedic vets and as we strongly suspected having taken x-rays this morning the prognosis is extremely poor" they said.

"Seals do not take anaesthetic well as they have a dive reflex and don't breathe.

"Although an attempt could be made to pin the fracture , it would be impossible to immobilise the limb to give it time to heal.

"More challenging is the dislocation which is not repairable.

"The flipper is very swollen and despite antibiotics and pain relief the seal is clearly very uncomfortable and reluctant to eat.

"We suspect the infection is spreading and with the other bite wounds to his body he is very miserable.

"At this stage we believe the only ethical and fair option we have is to end his suffering."

They added: "We know this is a well loved seal from the amazing response we have had to his story but he is not the only seal we have had to care for that this has happened to.

"Please folks do not go near seals and always, always, keep dogs on leads and under control."

Freddie is well-known to Teddington residents who have often spotted him swimming up by the lock and near the towpath over the past couple of months.

And just over a month ago he was rescued from Teddington Lock after a fishing lure became stuck in his mouth.

But that time his injuries were only mild, and he was released on the Isle of Sheppey nearer the Thames estuary.

Two weeks later he was back in the Thames by South-West London.

Freddie brought joy to so many with his loveable antics.

It's sad to see his story come to a tragic and early end.

We won't forget you, Freddie.