A seagull has had to be put to sleep after getting caught in a TV aerial in Gorleston.

The bird broke its wing after flying into the structure on top of a house in Beccles Road at about 9am this morning (July 12).

A spokesman for the RSPCA said their officers must prioritise the welfare of animals and simply leaving him up there to suffer was not an option.

They added: 'The gull was clearly in distress and we were very concerned for his welfare.

'Sadly, the gull was tangled in fishing wire which is how he had become stuck under the aerial; his wing was severely broken and he was suffering with fly strike, so sadly he had to be put to sleep to prevent further suffering.'

Norfolk Fire Service assisted the RSPCA due to the dangerous nature of the rescue from the roof and used an aerial ladder platform.

The spokesman added: 'It is not uncommon for the fire service to provide help in these circumstances.'

• If you find an injured gull, see one trapped in netting, or have any information on a gull being treated cruelly, please call the RSPCA's cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.