Police launch investigation after gull shot dead
Getty ImagesPolice have begun an investigation after a gull was shot and killed during the early hours of the morning.
Suffolk Police said the bird was fatally wounded by an air weapon in the area of Park Road, Lowestoft at about 04:00 BST on Monday.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is "illegal to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird" in Great Britain without a licence.
Permission can be granted if the reason is to preserve air safety and public health or prevent damage to livestock, but only "once all other avenues have been explored".
The force's Suffolk Rural, Wildlife and Heritage Policing team did not disclose the type of gull, but appealed for anyone with information about the killing to contact them as soon as possible.
"Unfortunately, we continue to take reports of wild birds being shot with air weapons and catapults," a spokesperson said.
"If you have any information about this incident, or witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, please contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/51703/26."
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