A GULL was rescued by the RSPCA after getting tangled in a fishing line on a Hartlepool pond.

The gull was spotted by a member of the public on a pond in Ward Jackson Park, Elwick Road, Hartlepool.

The bird had become tangled up in the line, which was also tangled around a tree on an island in the water.

Chief inspector Gent said: “The gull was settled when I arrived and it was clear he was not going to get out of this tangle on his own. I donned my flood suit and headed into the water to help.

"I steadily approached the bird, got him nice and safe in my arms and carefully snipped the fishing wire to free him, before bringing him back onto dry land. Thankfully he seemed very healthy and unfazed by his ordeal. He flapped his feathers and scuttled off."

He added: "The message here is to ask anglers to safely dispose of unwanted fishing line and any litter they may see - discarded tackle can cause horrible injuries. It doesn’t take too long to get rid of it properly. I went back after the rescue and cleared the line and floats from the pond to try and stop this happening to another poor animal.”