TEENAGERS fatally wounded a gull using a slingshot in front of horrified city centre shoppers.

Two children, aged about 12 to 13, were seen shooting the bird on Angel Street in Worcester.

Chloe Bullock from Two Hoots Bird Rescue was called to help, but unfortunately, the gull had to be put to sleep due to its injuries.

Despite gulls being a protected species and the incident being reported, West Mercia Police has said it will not be investigating.

Mrs Bullock said: “All wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

“Under this law, you must not intentionally kill, injure or disturb any wild birds.

“Also, this applies to when the bird is building a nest or the nest contains eggs or young, or disturb a nest containing chicks.”

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She added: “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.

“I found it really shocking and upsetting that children could so such a thing.

“This isn't the first incident either of this nature! Thankfully it doesn't happen often, I just hope they don’t do it again.”

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Passers-by reported seeing the two youths shooting the bird along Angel Street, near McDonald's, at about 6.30pm on Thursday, June 1.

They were seen running off laughing after injuring the gull.

Meg Coley found the bird and made the call to Two Hoots Bird Rescue.

“The main that made this such a sad situation was that the gull had given up on protecting itself when I was getting it into the box.

“It seemed so hurt and scared, but it didn’t want to attack despite what had happened to it as though it had lost hope.

“It was such a horrible situation to have to intervene in, especially when the only outcome possible for the bird was to be put to sleep, but I couldn’t have got the bird the help he needed without the help of Two Hoots’ advice and the other lady that helped saw the bird and provided transport.

“I really hope that something can be done to help teach kids the importance of our wildlife.”

The incident was reported to West Mercia Police on Friday morning (June 2) but the force is not planning to investigate.

“This is not something we are investigating,” said a spokesperson.