IT WAS a sad ending for the seagull trapped for two days in netting on a city centre roof who had to be put to sleep.

Animal lovers desperately tried to get help to free the bird with a firefighter in a cherry picker eventually freeing the bird.

Sadly, once it had been untangled vets took the decision to put down the seriously injured bird

The RSPCA has now warned that poorly-maintained roof netting cause “long and painful” deaths.

The gull was stuck on the roof of HSBC in Broad Street but initial attempts by RSPCA inspectors to get to the bird were thwarted because they could not access the roof of the building.

“Eventually we were able to trace someone who could give us access and the fire service assisted us in rescuing the gull,” said a spokesperson.

“Unfortunately he had suffered a badly broken leg and serious damage to his wing so he was put to sleep to prevent further suffering.”

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that crews from Worcester Fire Station were called to Broad Street at about 3.30pm yesterday (Thursday) and used an aerial ladder platform to help rescue the seagull.

The RSPCA spokesperson said bird deterrent netting can cause problems if installed without regular maintenance and monitoring.

These poor birds can suffer long and painful death

They said it’s also an issue if the netting “becomes damaged and allows gaps for birds to enter and become trapped, or get tangled.

“These poor birds can suffer long and painful death and, as the netting is often fixed in high and hard-to-reach places, it makes rescues incredibly difficult.

“If you're aware of birds becoming trapped in netting at a particular location please contact us with the address, owner (if known) and date of incident to wildlife@rspca.org.uk so we can write to the owner with advice to resolve the issue.”

Gemma Timmis, who lives in Broad Street, said: “The poor bird suffered so much. I’m an animal lover, not a seagull lover, but to see this has been so sad.

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“These nets are awful - surely in this day and age they can come up with alternative.

“And it’s such a waste. The RSPCA have to come out if there’s an animal in distress so it costs their time and this has also cost the fire brigade’s time. And it will keep happening unless something changes.”