THURROCK'S South Essex Wildlife Hospital is helping the recovery of a seal that was rescued after being attacked by a dog in Teddington in London.

And it's not the first time that the hospital, at Orsett, has cared for the young animal.

The drama was played out on Sunday (21 March) when the seal, which is known as Freddie Mercury, was basking by the side of Hammersmith Bridge, where it had become a popular attraction - even featuring on ITV's Good Morning programme.

A warning sign had been put up instructing locals how to behave around the seal. It read: "STOP! My name is Freddie Mercury. I have been rescued multiple times but would like to stay here. I am healthy – but was almost attacked by a dog yesterday. It scared me. Please no dogs or people beyond top of ramp."

Freddie had previously had a brush with danger after a fishing hook and lure became stuck in his lip last month.

He was rescued by members of British Divers and Marine Life Rescue team who took him for treatment at Orsett before he was released near the Isle of Sheppey but he made his way back up the river and was back in South-West London just two weeks later.

On Saturday, the seal was laying by the river on a rowing boat slipway a large dog off the leash attacked it and inflicted several bites.

Passers-by rushed to the seal's aid and fought off the dog, with a couple of them receiving bites from the raging canine, whose owner was stood nearby.

Details of the attack can be viewed on our sister site Teddington.Nub.News. (Alert: The story contains graphic images).

The rescuers, who included vet Rachel Kirkby, managed to get Freddie into a large dog cage and police carried it on to a London Fire Brigade boat to take it to Tilbury docks, where it was picked up by a team from the South Essex Wildlife Hospital (See video).

Meanwhile, back at Teddington, Rachel and another of the rescuers, had to receive hospital treatment for the injuries they received. Laurence Arnold, one of the passers-by who helped said the dog was "just going crazy."

"Someone was kicking the dog as it just wouldn't stop attacking the seal," he added.

"There were several people trying to get the dog off now, the owner was shouting at it, but it took no notice.

"The dog clamped onto the front right flipper of the seal and would not let go. I saw the seal try and turn, but the dog held on."

Mr Arnold called the British Divers and Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) for help and held onto Freddie's flippers as the rescuers waited.

BDMLR volunteers Mary and Laura arrived and organised the transportation to Tilbury where expert helpers from the Orsett hospital were waiting.

A statement from the animal hospital says Freddie is recovering and that he has received pain relief medication and antibiotics while the BDMLR, who often work closely with South Essex Wildlife Hospital said: "We would like to thank the Port of London Authority, Metropolitan Police, HM Coastguard, and London Fire Brigade for their help with the public and with transportation, and the residents of Hammersmith who have been doing their best to keep the seal safe in recent weeks."

In has been created by locals who were moved by Sunday's distressing events.

The fundraiser has already surpassed its target of £500 – raising a total of close to £2,000 which continues to climb. You can donate here.

A statement on the fundraising page says: "The presence of 'Freddie Mercury' the seal pup has brought much needed joy and smiles to our community in Barnes, South West London, since he arrived last month.

"He has become a national treasure in the process, appearing on This Morning and various news channels. A happy and content seal pup, accepting of all visitors that came to see him."

"We would like to raise funds to thank the teams at the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, who have been instrumental in protecting and taking care of Freddie this entire time and also the heroes who were involved in his recent rescue. They work tirelessly all year around to protect the UK's marine life."

You can donate to help the work of the South Essex Wildlife Hospital here.