The owner whose dog mauled Freddie Mercury, west London’s celebrity seal, has spoken out for the first time since the attack.

The barrister from Barnes told the Evening Standard that she was “heartbroken” over the seal’s death and has been in contact with police and the RSPCA.

Rebecca Sabben-Clare, 49, was walking her unleashed crossbreed dog in Hammersmith when it attacked the seal pup on Sunday afternoon (March 21).

Passers-by intervened to save the animal, who was soaking up the sun on a canoe slip, but unfortunately it was too late.

Freddie was known for splashing around west London waters of the Thames

Freddie was known for splashing around west London waters of the Thames

Freddie was put down at a wildlife hospital in South Essex, where he was transferred for injuries sustained to his flipper and joints, and an infection that antibiotics failed to treat.

Speaking to the Evening Standard today, Ms Sabben-Clare said: “I am heartbroken by this terrible accident.

“As an animal lover, I fully understand the dismay that has been expressed. I apologise unreservedly for what happened. In hindsight I wish, of course, that the dog had been on a lead but at the time that did not seem necessary.

“I am hugely grateful to all those who helped at the scene. They were heroic. I left for my own safety and that of my dog, believing that there was nothing that I could do to help as the seal was being looked after by a vet and help had been called.

“I offered my contact details to the vet before leaving.”

The Police issued an appeal yesterday (March 23), where they urged any witnesses to come forward.

A spokesperson said: "We are investigating the death of a seal, named locally as Freddie, after it was injured by a dog on the River Thames near Hammersmith Bridge.

"Officers are looking to identify witnesses and to speak to the owner of the dog involved.

"Our enquiries continue, but we would like to thank the members of the public that stepped in to assist Freddie during the incident.”

Freddie was rescued by teams from the London Fire Brigade, BDMLR and vets [Image: South Essex Wildlfie Hospital]

Freddie was rescued by teams from the London Fire Brigade, BDMLR and vets [Image: South Essex Wildlife Hospital]

A fundraiser in support of the services which cared for Freddie has taken off – reaching £9,111 in three days.

The organiser, Rebecca Da Re, said: “Freddie was rescued due to the quick thinking of amazing people on the scene and the prompt rescue by various emergency services.

“We would like to raise funds to thank the teams at the British Divers Marine Life Rescue and the South Essex Wildlife Hospital, who have been instrumental in protecting and taking care of Freddie this entire time and 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 the fundraiser here.