Londoners warned over diveboming seagulls

Londoners have been warned about divebombing seagulls who may attack to protect their young.

The RSPB has claimed that the birds have been unusually noisy this year, attracting the attention of those in the capital, the Evening Standard reports.

Spokesman Tim Webb said: "I'd urge Londoners to be as tolerant as possible. Gulls are often perceived as intimidating, but if they are aggressive it's because they're either protecting their young or feel threatened by us.

"They are very protective parents, but they'd much rather poo on people than peck them. However, they will divebomb people if provoked."

Sussex-based student Amy Derham, 29, was left with a cut to the head after a gull attack in Hove. He told the newspaper: "I saw a baby seagull sitting down on the pavement making a high-pitched squeak. I thought to myself I am not going anywhere near that' so I crossed the road.

"The next thing I know I was hit on the head by what looked like an adult seagull swooping down - it was extremely painful and happened all of a sudden."