UPDATE: 'distressed' whale stuck at cafe by Teddington Lock

By Ellie Brown - Local Democracy Reporter

5th Nov 2021 | Local News

A whale stranded at Teddington Lock has become trapped near the bank under a local cafe.

The baby minke whale, first seen at the lock this morning after swimming up from Isleworth, appeared distressed and could be heard 'blowing' as it became ensnared on undergrowth next to the Flying Cloud Cafe.

Lifeboat crews have assembled on bridge linking the cafe to a short pontoon as film crews from local and national news sites are on the scene.

The whale first got stuck about an hour ago and managed to escape after 40 minutes, to cheers from onlookers.

But ten minutes later the whale returned to the same spot and could be seen flapping its tail in distress.

Police asked onlookers to step back in case of harmful emissions from its blowhole.

Teddington Lock bridge is currently lined across the river with people trying to catch a glimpse of the whale.

More updates to follow

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