Woolwich squirrel 'saved from assassination' after 5,000 people sign petition

Mark Chandler22 June 2016

A friendly south east London squirrel has been saved from death after 5,000 people signed a petition urging pest controllers not to kill him.

Cyril the squirrel has become a fixture at Woolwich’s Royal Arsenal housing development, regularly popping up at a local studio to nibble on hazelnuts handed out by staff and neighbours.

Residents claimed Cyril had become a part of the community, but were shocked he might be killed after “scoundrels” reported the animal’s antics to the authorities.

The news led to an outcry and a petition calling for him to be saved from “assassination”.

Pest control have been called to deal with Cyril
Anthony Coyne

Now estate management firm Rendall & Rittner have announced Cyril’s life is not in danger, but they urged residents to stop befriending him, saying he had been stripping bark from balcony plants and entering people's flats.

A spokesman said: “We have been listening to all those concerned about Cyril and want to assure the community that he will not be harmed.

“Given Cyril’s capabilities at causing a stir we do request that residents across the development leave him to his own devices and refrain from feeding him or encouraging him into their property, as this will encourage his behaviour when it is not always welcome.

“We are seeking specialist advice on the best methods to discourage Cyril from causing damage to homes or offices.

Cyril loves snacking on hazelnuts
Anthony Coyne

“It is in Cyril’s best interests to be left alone to find his own habitat, where he can forage for food naturally, away from human intervention.”

The news delighted those who had signed the petition, with Ken Hammersley writing: “Sense has prevailed at last.”

Vermin seen around London

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Denna Giddons, who launched the online campaign, wrote: “It's so humbling that so many people within our community and beyond care about this little fella.

“He is a wonderful little squirrel and adds to what is already an amazing place to live.

"I've always hailed Royal Arsenal as an incredible development with a fantastic community spirit.

“The way everyone has got behind this petition really shows that. I'm so proud of our community.”

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