Brighton shop workers save seagull with fishook in its beak

Brunswick Fine Wines and Sprits (Image: NQ staff)

The young gull was discovered in the morning of Tuesday, July 28, by staff at Brunswick Fine Wines and Spirits on New Road, Brighton.

Liam O'Raw, 31, who first spotted the injured animal initially believed it was asleep until he noticed the awkward position of its head.

Both he and his colleague, Alex John, 45, said the hook had gotten stuck in both the bird's beak and wing, potentially due to the bird preening in an attempt to remove it.

Both described the hook as a type of bait shaped like a fish.

The injured bird (Image: Alex John)

Ms John said: "I see these hooks on the beach all the time, I try to pick them up."

Initially they considered removing the hook themselves with scissors but decided against it.

Mr O'Raw explained: "We wanted to help it but you probably do more harm than good if you try to get it out."

Instead he researched how to hold the birds head to keep it from getting more distressed, and along with Ms John wrapped it in a towel and contacted Brighton Wildlife Animal Rescue Service (WARS) via social media.

In a post on Facebook she said: "Urgent! Young seagull with fishing hook in its beak on the roof of our shop. Can anyone help?

"We have wrapped it in a towel to stop it flapping around and hurting itself."

Rescuers from WARS responded to the message within six minutes.

Ms John praised the service, saying; "They are angels. All volunteers."

She went on to say that she was often in contact with the group whenever she spotted a seagull or fox that was in need of rescue.

Both Mr O'Raw and Ms John described the incident as sad and that they were grateful for the rescuers from WARS.

Mr O'Raw said: "I would have had no idea what to do."

Rescuers from WARS transported the bird to a vets where it could receive care.