Rare European otter living in Ipswich Holywells Park dies after being hit by car

A European otter which made an Ipswich park its home and gained an online following has died after being hit by a car.

Last month, SuffolkNews reported on the rare sighting of the mammal, which was bathing and fishing in a stream in Holywells Park.

Since then, it has become popular with visitors and gained nearly 3,000 views in an online video posted by park keeper Matthew Garnham.

Today, Ipswich Borough Council, which owns the park, confirmed the otter died after being hit by a car.

A council spokesperson said: “We are incredibly saddened by this news.”

Otters have previously been sighted along the River Orwell and Ipswich Waterfront, but their presence in this part of the country is scarce.

According to Wildlife Trust, the species are widespread and can be found throughout the country, but are absent from parts of central and southern England.

It is thought that this otter found its way to the park due recent floods.

The animals are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.