Hundreds of people are campaigning to save a grey squirrel which has taken up home with them in south east London.
Pest controllers were called to have the animal 'removed' after it began nibbling nuts at desks at the Royal Arsenal development in Woolwich.
A petition to save Cyril the squirrel has now been signed by nearly 500 people.
Pest controllers were apparently called in after it emerged that some people wanted the critter removed because he was allegedly ‘hiding nuts in people’s pot plants’.
Residents at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich believe Cyril arrived after being trapped in a Tesco delivery truck. They say he has gone on to form part of the community.
Graphic designer Anthony Coyne, 44, who signed the petition, wrote that Cyril is often in his studio snacking on hazelnuts.
He wrote: “It appears some scoundrels in the apartments above have complained he’s been hiding nuts in their pot plants and want him killed.
Vermin seen around London
“Their complaints aired to the Concierge, passed to the estate management at Rendall & Rittner who have organised an assassination – an assassination ultimately paid for by us residents!
“His haters and killers must be stopped, by force if necessary.”
So far, the petition has been signed by 462 people and the bid to save the furry rodent was even trending last night.
Petition creator Dena Gibbons wrote: “He doesn't harm anyone and is in no way a pest. In fact, he brightens a lot of people's days. So much so, he has been given the name Cyril.
“Cyril is very much part of the community and to lose him would be a great shame.”
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