Wildlife experts at the RSPCA are caring for more than a dozen birds caught up in a mystery oil spill off the coast of Sussex.

Rescuers went to collect birds covered in contaminants following a spill near Hastings, with a total of eight guillemots, six razorbills and one gannet rescued so far.

The birds were transported to the RSPCA Mallydams Wood Wildlife Centre near Hastings where teams treated the birds with specialist equipment.

Oiled bird rehabilitation expert Richard Thompson, who runs the centre’s rehabilitation team, said: “The birds are now stable and the Mallydams wildlife team are rehydrating the injured birds and supporting them. In the next few days, we will wash the substance from the birds using our specialised facility.

“Once free of contaminants and given a clean bill of health, the birds will be released back into the wild, where they belong.

The Argus: A number of birds were rescued following the mystery spill off the Sussex coast

“We’re lucky to have decades of experience treating oiled birds, as well as specialised equipment to help treat them in a safe way.

“We’d urge anyone who sees an oiled bird not to attempt to rescue or treat them themselves, but to instead call the RSPCA for help on 0300 1234 999.”

If contaminants are not removed from waterbirds, it reduces the natural waterproofing in their plumage, leaving them at risk of dying from hypothermia, so it is vital that they are treated as soon as possible.

Mallydams Wood centre manager Peter Smith said: “We informed the Marine Coastguard Agency about the birds and they’ve taken samples from the water and launched an investigation.

The Argus: A number of birds were rescued following the mystery spill off the Sussex coast“We’re very concerned these could be just the first of many birds that will be caught up in the contaminant spill and we’ve made emergency plans to rescue and treat any further birds which need our help.

“At the moment, birds are benign washed up across East Sussex and Kent and the slick seems to be moving across to the east.

“It is incredibly alarming to see how many animals could be impacted by this.”

The Mallydams team is currently hand-feeding the birds as well as rehydrating them. They will begin washing the substance from their feathers once they’re strong and healthy enough.