THE RSPCA has warned that people shooting seagulls in a North-East town will be prosecuted.

A gull was shot in the Highfield area of Scarborough, North Yorkshire, a week ago, following a spate of attacks on birds in the Falsgrave area of the town in July.

The birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and, if the RSPCA can prove a bird has been caused unnecessary suffering, the charity has warned it will prosecute.

Peter Bolton, animal welfare manager for the RSPCA in the North of England, said it was unclear if it was youths using the birds as target practice or local residents shooting the birds because they are sick of the noise.

"By shooting and killing gulls without a licence, people face prosecution on three fronts," he said.

"The RSPCA would urge tolerance and suggest that homeowners need to plan ahead for properties where gulls have nested before or are starting to nest, if they want to prevent them nesting there the following year."

The charity has a leaflet, called Seaside Special - Living With Gulls in Seaside Towns, and is available free by calling 0870 335 999.