Police investigation as gulls die in ‘shooting’

Police are investigating the deaths of four gulls after it is believed they were shot down.

Peter Colton, 79, was walking through Sharpham Road Playing Fields next to Cheddar Reservoir on Tuesday morning when he discovered the birds, one of which was dead and three seriously injured.

Volunteers from Secret World Animal Rescue collected the surviving gulls, but had to put them down due to the severity of their injuries.

The charity’s wildlife and veterinary services manager, Lauren Valentine, said: “Gulls can often be overlooked so we are really grateful this was called in so we could alleviate the suffering of these individuals.”