POLICE have launched an investigation after a seagull was reportedly shot in a 'disgusting' act of cruelty.

Officers were contacted at 9.02am yesterday morning to a report that a seagull had been shot in the area of Devon street in Barrow.

Laura Dearden, who works as a home carer, was on a call when she heard an air rifle shot followed by a 'horrible noise'.

She said: "I was going to a call on Devon Street when I heard what sounded to be an air rifle shot but thought nothing of it though.

"I heard it again and this time heard the seagull make this horrible noise so it obviously got my attention and then I saw it fall to the ground.

"Only when it was on the ground did I notice the wound in its wing and all the blood on the floor.

"There was also food on the doorstep of the house which, from subsequent conversations, the owners didn't do.

"So it looks like they were trying to lure seagulls in to shoot them.

"I couldn't make out where it came from but once I went over to the bird the shooting stopped."

Miss Dearden branded the incident as 'disgusting' and is calling for other witnesses to come forward.

"It's disgusting," she said.

"You hear about it a lot. I have a degree in animal welfare, so I've heard about it a lot anyway but I've never seen it with my own eyes.

"If I wasn't at work I would've tried to catch it myself but a lady was waiting on me so there was nothing else I could do apart from make other people aware and hope they could come out and find him."

Bardsea Bird Sanctuary is urging anyone who sees the gull to ring 07842848227 or the RSPCA Furness & Barrow on 01229 824583.

Police have confirmed that enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting incident number 38 of March 31.