A monkey has been found frolicking on a scaffholding in Tower Hamlets.

East London Advertiser: Dr Alison Cronin, the rescuer from Monkey World. Picture: Monkey WorldDr Alison Cronin, the rescuer from Monkey World. Picture: Monkey World (Image: Archant)

Residents found the female marmoset playing on building work and shepherded her into the foyer of a nearby tower before a specialist from rescue centre Monkey World was contacted to take her to safety.

“We don’t know who owned her,” a spokeswoman from the Dorest-based sanctuary said.

“But we suspect it was the UK pet trade. Current laws allow 85 species of monkey to be owned without a licence, and it’s a big problem which we’re campaigning against.”

Freya, as the pet has been named, is the 116th monkey the sanctuary have rescued this year. She has symptoms of rickets, and is lacking Vitamin D.

She has been introduced to two other adult marmosets since her rescue on May 6.

“She’s doing really well,” the spokeswoman said.

“Now she’s running over natural branches, rather than London scaffolding.”