A wildlife charity plans to rescue a young otter spotted with a plastic cable tie around its neck in Dorset.

The UK Wild Otter Trust (UKWOT) fear the animal, seen swimming in the River Stour at Blandford, could drown if the cable tie gets caught underwater.

Dave Webb, founder of UKWOT, told The Telegraph he was shocked to see the plastic around the otter’s neck.

“It’s worrying that wildlife is suffering as a result of people’s laziness in not removing their rubbish,” he said.

“If we can't remove it then there is a chance it may get caught underwater and drown as a result.

“So while it’s not apparently hindering it at the moment, it is a serious situation and putting that otter in danger.”

Mr Webb said the charity would “be doing everything possible” to remove the plastic and has received permission from Natural England to humanely trap the otter.