A pod of common dolphins have been spotted swimming in the Thames. 

The animals have been seen on multiple occasions across this week enjoying themselves in the river, much to the delight of locals. 

Video footage taken along the riverbank on the Isle of Dogs has even captured one breaching the water, a typical behaviour for them.

The dolphins are also referred to as short-beaked common dolphins and are identifiable by their distinctive colourings - dark grey above, with a yellow-cream area below. 

Their dorsal fin also displays a slight curve backwards. 

A spokesperson for Wildlife Trust London said: "While predominantly found further offshore, common dolphins are often seen closer to shore, and will enter estuaries often in search of, or when following prey.

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"Trying to get species like this back in the Thames Estuary is why we need to stop sewage being tipped into our rivers.

"We applaud those organisations working hard to help improve the quality of the River Thames, but the river needs to be much cleaner (including no sewage discharges) before these kinds of sightings become more frequent."

Common dolphins are a protected priority species that can live up to 35 years.