Airgun-firing yobs are targeting seagulls in unprecedented numbers.

Bird protection groups have expressed concern after six gulls were taken to a rescue centre with serious wounds.

Two of the birds had to be put down.

All 11 species of seagull found in Britain, including the most commonly seen herring gulls, are protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Shooting a seagull is a criminal offence which carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail or a £20,000 fine.

Roger Musselle, who runs Roger's Wildlife Rescue Centre in Woodingdean with his wife Fleur, took in the injured gulls.

He said: “We normally receive six or eight injured gulls over the whole summer.

“The nesting season has not even begun yet, so this is unprecedented.

“We know that people kick up a fuss about seagulls but there is no excuse for shooting a creature like this.”

To report any cases of violence towards seagulls or any wild creatures, contact your local wildlife liaison officer or call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.