POLICE will investigate a group of teens who launched a fatal seagull attack.

A gull was put to sleep after being shot at by youths armed with a slingshot on Angel Street in Worcester city centre.

West Mercia Police told Worcester News they would not investigate but have now stated this is not the case and they will be looking into it.

This comes after Worcester resident Andrew Brown decided to raise the matter with the city’s MP, Robin Walker.

Mr Brown said: “The initial police response as reported in the Worcester News’ story was incredibly discouraging. 

“It was like a green light to be cruel to gulls. 

“I was concerned police initially said they were not going to investigate the incident and did not give details or even condemn what was alleged to have happened or express any commitment to enforcing wildlife legislation.

“There was no empathy in the response given to Worcester News and it was as though seagulls are worthless.

“These creatures matter and acts of cruelty need challenging.”

Worcester News: The bird was taken to a vets, where it had to be put to sleepThe bird was taken to a vets, where it had to be put to sleep (Image: Meg Coley)

READ MORE: Horror as teens shoot at gull with slingshots leading to bird being euthanised

Mr Walker added: “There is never any excuse for cruelty to animals or wild birds and for people to target a wild animal in this way is unacceptable.

“Seagulls are protected under wildlife legislation and when my office was alerted to this case we did take it up with the local police who have since confirmed it should have been investigated as a wildlife crime.

“I appreciate that gulls can be perceived as a nuisance and that many constituents are concerned about the noise and the mess that they create but this needs to be handled in a humane way, not through violence and never through cruelty.”

The gull was found with a broken wing on Thursday, June 1.

Chloe Bullock from Two Hoots Bird Rescue collected the bird and took it to a vet, where it had to be put to sleep.

She is delighted the police have now confirmed they will be investigating.

“A big thank you to Andrew Brown who has been a massive support, getting lots of help to get this investigated. It's very much appreciated,” she said.

West Mercia Police have been approached for an additional comment.