The River Mole now has its own Loch Ness monster-style mystery after an unidentified creature was pictured swimming in the Thames tributary.

Ian Nuttall snapped this photo of what appears to be seven-inch terrapin in the river under the wilderness radial gate in Molesey. But he believes it may be a turtle.

He said: "We've seen pike, heron, mink, snakes, rats even kingfishers but never a turtle."

Commenters under Mr Nuttall’s Facebook post speculated on what the creature might be, with suggestions including terrapins, as well as mentions of crabs and crayfish appearing in the river.

Other curious creatures have also been spotted in the Thames.

A seal was spotted swimming in between Molesey and Teddington Locks in January last year near Ash Island.

The mammal likely got into the lock when a boat passed through, and returned again despite being freed on two occasions.