I extend my sincere regret to Grace Amos and hope she is on the mend. My thanks to her and her family for not wanting to see the birds destroyed.

I had watched the birds avidly since they came to nest there and witnessed the care and love the parent birds had for their babies. They were exceptional parents.

I must put straight a few points covered in the recent reports. The birds did not dive- bomb everyone. In fact, the only people who were swooped upon were the camera crew, local photographers and all the other strangers who appeared. Even the postman was untouched.

All the neighbours here in Pevensey Close have gone about their daily routines completely unaffected, lawns have been mown and watered and gardens tended. Even neighbourly chats have taken place outside in the road.

If these birds were such a threat to our safety, do you think any of this would have been able to take place?

All five birds have not been shot. I have spoken to many different organisations, who all appear to have a slightly different version of the truth.

For instance, the RSPCA was told by Lewes District Council the three babies were poisoned, whereas the council press office categorically told me all five birds had been shot.

By Wednesday morning it was apparent the babies were either dead or gone but the parents were most definitely there, alive and in a very distressed state.

Every day they come back looking for their babies and take it in turns to sit on the nest again.

I have been advised by local bird organisations this behaviour would only come from the parent birds, not other seagulls trying to take over the nest.

Surely, with all the organisations coming forward now, could the council not have made a few telephone calls and had the birds removed humanely?

The moral of this story is: "Don't upset Lewes District Council because, if you do, it will have you shot in the middle of the night."

-Mrs A Large, Pevensey Close, Seaford