Seal rescue sparks a commotion in the middle of London

A stranded seal has been rescued to applause from the watching public in west London.

The animal was discovered on a pontoon near Kew Bridge in Brentford, and brought to safety after a 90-minute rescue involving the Fire Brigade and RSPCA.

It is not unusual for seals to venture up the Thames, the RSPCA said, but this one was thought to have become stranded on dry land after emerging from the water with an injury.