Britain's most iconic population of deer is at risk of dying because of the large number of energy gels discarded by cyclists, a conservation charity has warned.

The number of empty gel packs - consumed by cyclists for an energy boost - found in London's Richmond Park after this year's Ride London event almost doubled compared to last year.

The Friends of Richmond Park has warned that deer could accidentally eat the indigestible packets and block their stomach, leaving them unable to eat and eventually starving to death.

More than 20,000 cyclists took part in the 100-mile Ride London event on July 31, with volunteers surveying a 600-metre stretch of the park, in south west London.