Man cautioned over seagull deaths in Eastbourne
A 70-year-old man from East Sussex has been cautioned after police investigated a number of reports of injuries to seagulls.
Residents in the Eastbourne area had reported the deaths of baby gulls after their nests were destroyed.
The man, from Polegate, was arrested and cautioned after he admitted destroying and disposing of a gull's nest in Kinfauns Avenue, Eastbourne.
Pc Louis Thompson said seagulls were protected birds.
"In rare cases, gulls and nests can be destroyed, but only by a person who has been granted a licence by Natural England," he said.
"They may be seen by some as a pest but they are an integral part of seaside towns."
Sussex Police said it had also been working with the National Gull Rescue Service after reports that gulls were getting caught in netting on warehouse roofs.
"We have brought this matter to the attention of local businesses and they have sought professional advice to reduce the risk to gulls," said Sgt Ed Ripley.
"I am confident that local businesses are doing all they can to prevent the gulls from being further injured."