A GULL has died after being shot by teenagers as horrified people watched in the city centre.

Youths armed with a slingshot were reportedly seen shooting the bird on Angel Street, Worcester.

Chloe Bullock from Two Hoots Bird Rescue was called to help by members of the public and took the injured gull to a vet.

Unfortunately, it had sustained a broken wing and had to be put to sleep.

Mrs Bullock said: “I found it really shocking and upsetting that children could do such a thing.

“Some people may say it's just a seagull, but they are a protected species and feel pain just like we do.

“They are exceptionally intelligent birds as well.

“Also, I would like to thank Meg Coley and another passer-by who helped catch the seagull and the out-of-hour vets team as well for their quick actions.”

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The incident happened between 6.30pm and 7pm on Thursday, June 1.

Two children, aged about 12 to 13, were allegedly seen using a slingshot to try and break the bird’s wing.

The child who fired the shot has been described by witnesses as around 5ft tall, slightly overweight, and wearing a baseball cap.

They were seen running off laughing after injuring the gull, which is a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Mrs Bullock said it is not the first time she has heard of incidents such as this but luckily they are a rarity.

“This isn't the first incident either of this nature,” she added.

“Thankfully it doesn't happen often, I just hope they don’t do it again.”

“If it’s your child please talk to them.”

Mrs Bullock explained that she will be reporting the incident to West Mercia Police this morning (Friday, June 2).