PICTURES: Fire service called to rescue Worthing seagull

The incident, reported to have been around 3pm, was said to have drawn a crowd in Worthing town centre.

Debi Devlin witnessed the event, she said: “The fire brigade had to get their tower unit out as baby seagull was stuck in netting.

“A big crowd gathered and the fireman received a great applause and a cuppa from nearby cafe when he finally grabbed him.”

The bird was then passed to Marie Stevens a member of the RSPCA.

Debi added: “I asked Marie what would happen and she said seagull would be checked over to see if legs and wings ok and then it would be released she said it is a regular occurrence and sadly most don’t make it.”

A RSPCA spokesman today (Sunday) confirmed, after being check over and having something to eat and drink, the bird was released back into the wild.

They said: “Thankfully the gull in this incident did not suffer any injuries but sadly our officers do rescue many birds which have suffered injuries, sometimes fatal, as a result of getting tangled in bird-deterrent netting.”

If you find an injured gull or see one trapped in netting call the RSPCA’s cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue has been contacted for comment and this story will be updated accordingly.

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