An RSPCA inspector has told of her horror after she rushed to the aid of a young seagull crushed to death by a cyclist in an 'horrific act of cruelty'.

The charity was forced to destroy the gull after reports that a young man deliberately rode over the bird in Great Yarmouth.

And it is warning of a surge in conflict between youngsters and birds over the summer holidays.

Inspector Laura Sayer said: 'Two witnesses said they heard the cracking of bones as the youth cycled over him. It was an horrific act of cruelty.

'When I got there the bird was still alive - just - but collapsed and unable to move.

'The vet said the bird had been paralysed after his spine had been dislocated by the bike.

'It was so very sad to see the young gull in such distress, especially when its suffering could have been avoided.'

The incident happened at about 6pm on July 29. The youth was riding a green bike with two bags of shopping on his handlebars.

Ms Sayer added: 'Sadly this kind of incident is not as unusual as you would hope and every year we deal with many cases of such callous attacks on these birds.

'With the school holidays about to begin it is likely this problem will only get worse.

'More young people will be out and about in the sunshine and likely to come into contact and conflict with gulls.'

Gulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal to intentionally do anything which causes suffering to wild birds.

Witnesses should call 0300 123 8018.