IN PHOTOS: The Tale of the Thames Minke Whale

Exclusive new photos from local resident Emma Cox tell the story of a whale which became stranded at Richmond Lock on Sunday and then Teddington Lock yesterday.

After a rescue mission lasting 32 hours by the London Fire Brigade, Royal National Lifeboat Institute, and the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, the sad decision was made by the veterinary team to euthanise the whale.

The whale was put to sleep by specialist marine medics and it's body was taken away early this morning, around 3.30am.

The whale's story

Sunday 9 May, 7pm: The whale became stuck in Richmond lock.

Monday 10 May, 1am: Whale freed from Richmond lock but future still uncertain.

Monday AM: The minke whale is now stuck in Teddington.

Monday, early afternoon: the whale became trapped near the bank under a local cafe.

Monday, 4.45pm: The veterinary team made the difficult decision to euthanise the whale.

Teddington Parish wrote on Twitter: "So sad to hear that despite all the hard work of our friends from @RNLITeddington, experts and help from #Teddington volunteers it wasn't possible to save the stranded whale."

And Maria Yamauchi tweeted: "As a Teddington resident, the Thames #whale news is very sad but hats off to the @RNLI and @rnli_teddington for their efforts to try & save it.

""Rescuing baby whale far from home" can't be on many job descriptions. Thank you RNLI. #savinglivesatsea."