Scores of seagulls have been seized by the RSPCA from a charity which cares for the birds.

The seaside birds were taken from Sussex-based National Gull Rescue and Protection Charity amid rumours of mistreatment of the creatures.

The gull charity, which was founded and run by Tim McKenzie and is the only one of its kind in the UK, shut suddenly in April.

Yesterday Mr McKenzie, 54, from Bexhill, confirmed the charity had been suspended after a series of raids by the RSPCA.

He has consulted a solicitor regarding the matter.