Surbiton scientists working on an island in the North Sea abandoned their research to help save the life of an injured and struggling seal pup.

David Livingstone and Claire Mellish, of Howard Road, Surbiton, and fellow Kingston scientist Ian Greatbatch, were conducting a Kingston University survey on spits six miles off the Norfolk coast, when they discovered the pup.

Their research was put on hold when they realised the pup was unable to move from an offshore sandbank and was about to be swallowed by a ferocious tide.

They were involved in a desperate race against time to save Milo and take him to the nearby Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary, for urgent medical treatment.

Mr Livingstone said: “He was lying belly up on the sandbank and was clearly in trouble.

"The sea was rough that day and waves were crashing in, yet he wasn’t making any moves to escape to safety.

“Claire, Ian and I made a stretcher from a tarpaulin and an old fish crate.

"Luckily I had my waders on and was able to make my way out to Milo through the rising water between the sandbank and the beach.”

Milo had a bloodied mouth and nose, with wounds to his head and flippers.

They made it back to shore just before dark and the spring tide that washed them back to the mainland was so high, they were able to take their dinghy directly to the sanctuary’s rescue vehicle, which was sitting in several inches of water in a flooded car park.

The trio of scientists were so moved by little Milo that they decided to officially adopt him and contribute towards his care and treatment.

If all goes well, Milo will move out into a convalescence pool in a couple of weeks, having built up strength and put on weight to prepare for a return to the wild.

The sanctuary’s seal expert Kieran Copeland said: “The three scientists will certainly be very welcome to come and watch the seal they helped save swim back to freedom.”