There had been fears over the otter's health just after the rescue

The eight-week-old, named Radish by its carers, was discovered near the front step of a Kinmel Bay house, after being swept out of her holt in the river Clwyd.

Radish was taken to an otter rehabilitation centre in Brecon, mid Wales on Tuesday after being saved by the RSPCA, but died on Wednesday night.

Gareth Jones, who was caring for the otter, said: "We were quite hopeful because she had made a good start," said Mr Jones.

"It's the first young one we've lost."

His wife Jane said she may have died from concussion, but an autopsy will be carried out.

"We always find it depressing, but she hasn't died in vain," she said.

"She will form part of vital research into otters on the coast."