A rare albino squirrel - prone to attacks by dogs because of its white colour makes them stand out - is recovering after a rescue alongside its brothers and sisters.

Pure white Lilly arrived at the Riverside Animal Centre, in Beddington, after a man in Sutton came across the squirrel family nesting in the loft he was renovating.

The siblings, which are named after characters in the American sitcom, How I Met Your Mother, are estimated to be only two to three weeks old.

Centre manager Ted Burden said: "They came in late last Wednesday. They were obviously nesting in the fibre glass in a loft - unfortunately they do like that.

"The man just came across them and there’s not a lot you can do in that situation other than bring them in to care.

"The white ones are prone to getting caught by dogs - they stand out like a sore thumb unfortunately.

"They are not as well camouflaged and some people actually let their dogs chase them."

Lilly, Ted, Marshall and Robin, whose mother was nowhere to be seen, will have to stay with the centre until they are about 12 weeks old.

They will then be released in a special location where Lilly will be safe.