A bizarre petition has been set-up to save a “much-loved” Woolwich squirrel from the hands of pest controllers.

The change.org site aimed at saving the life of Cyril, who lives at the Royal Arsenal development, claims that “someone has called pest control on the friendly squirrel that lives on site.”

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Cyril the squirrel in thinker doer studio at the Royal Arsenal. Picture: Anthony Coyne

Denna Gibbons, a resident behind the petition which was set up earlier today (June 19), hails the critter as “part of the community”.

She said: “He doesn't harm anyone and is in no way a pest. In fact, he brightens a lot of people's days. So much so, he has been given the name Cyril.

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Cyril enjoys his "favourite meal" of hazelnuts. Picture: Anthony Coyne

“Cyril is very much part of the community and to lose him would be a great shame. Please sign this petition to stop pest control coming.”

So far more than 4,000 people have pledged support for the furry fella.

Commenting on the site, Courtney Pruce said: “Cyril is so friendly and lovely and you cannot not smile when you see him.”

Leila Nabih added: “That poor thing isn't a pest. It's one friendly squirrel nothing more nothing less. Let him be. He brings joy to the neighbourhood.”

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160 people have pledged to save Cyril

Anthony Coyne, managing director at thinkerdoer studio in Warehouse Court, has branded those allegedly responsible for reporting Cyril to pest controllers as “scoundrels”.

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Anthony Coyne with Cyril

He said: “It appears some scoundrels have complained he's been hiding nuts in their pot plants and want him killed.

“His haters and killers must be stopped, by force if necessary.”

In his bid to save the beloved creature, Mr Coyne shared rumours of Cyril’s mysterious past.

He added: “It is believed he arrived having accidentally been trapped in a Tesco delivery truck and has now made his home here.

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Woolwich's favourite squirrel. Picture: Anthony Coyne

"He's often in the thinkerdoer studio getting a daily fix of his favourite meal hazelnuts."

Organisers are hoping to rally the support of 200 people before handing the petition to property management service Rendall & Rittner.

Rendall & Rittner have been contacted for a comment.

To sign the petition click here.