Police warning after reports of seagulls being shot and killed in Filey

They have been contacting residents warning it is illegal to harm the seabirds and urging people to help them track down the culprits.

In a letter understood to have been sent out to Filey households, Wildlife Crime Officer PCSO Robert Weatherley says people have reported Herring Gulls being shot, injured and, in some cases, killed in the area.

It says: "North Yorkshire Police take this very seriously as Herring Gulls and all other wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

"This means that it is illegal to kill, injure or take them, to intentionally damage or destroy a nest that is in use or being built, or to take or destroy their eggs."

Anyone with information that may help the police with their investigation can contact them on 101, quoting reference number 12210114604.