Sammy the Seal was spotted by Andrew Scott (53), a keen wildlife photographer of Thistle Drive, Stanground, Peterborough.

Mr Scott said he had seen Sammy on the river banks on a number of occasions before he was able to get the images of the playful visitor munching on his lunch of a carp.

He said: "I have seen him a few times up and down the River Nene over the past couple of weeks, but these are definitely the best sightings I have had.

"I saw him with the fish for a good few minutes and he was clearly exhausted – it's nearly as big as he is.

"I got to within five feet of it on one occasion, and it didn't take any notice whatsoever. It must be getting used to being around people."

The snaps will fuel the anger of some anglers who claim seals are eating many of the fish in the River Nene and threatening the river's reputation as a venue for major fishing contests.

They say some of the country's best anglers went home empty handed at the National Federation of Anglers Individual National match at the end of last month.

Evening Telegraph Angling correspondent Ken Wade said he was convinced the lack of fish was down to the reappearance of Sammy and his pals on the city riverbanks.

Related:
Angling: Seals are worrying anglers, Ken Wade, 3 October 2008.