After reading with interest all the letters for and against seagulls, I am writing as a bird lover and RSPB member.

My experience last year has changed my views of this particular bird.

While walking in Hove to shop for an elderly lady, I felt a sharp, painful blow to the top of my head.

My first thought was that I had been attacked with a small hammer but, on turning around, a large seagull was flying away from me and screeching loudly.

Placing my hand on my head, I realised I was bleeding.

I continued to the post office on Kingsway, where I was given tissues to mop up the blood and a chair to sit on as I was rather shaken.

On my return, the bird swooped at me again.

With my hood pulled up over my head, I ducked and waved a bag of shopping, my only protection from this aggressive bird.

I have no idea why this bird attacked. I wasn't threatening the bird or its young (if any) and I was not carrying food.

I am very wary and ready to protect myself if seagulls are flying above me.

It seems they are not to be trusted. Maybe we need a Royal Society for the Protection of Humans (from seagulls).

-K Hemmings, Portslade