Sniper fear as second Scarborough seagull is speared by a crossbow bolt

The discovery comes a month after pictures were taken of another speared bird, and the sightings have sparked fears that someone is prowling the streets with a loaded crossbow taking pot shots at the town's wildlife.

It was only when the original photograph was compared to the new one, taken last week, that it was noticed the bolt was different. The RSPCA are now searching for both birds, who could have been flying round with their injuries for over a month.

Graham Rhodes, who runs the town's Aakschipper Gallery, was stunned when he first spotted the injured bird while walking his dog.

Mr Rhodes, 60, said: "It looks like another seagull with a bolt in its head because the first gull's one had no flights and a silver tip while this picture seems to show a bolt with flights and a black tip.

"This is very worrying, is someone going out and hunting these birds with a crossbow? I have absolutely no idea which could have been shot first, there is no way to tell, but it looks like it could be a repeat attack."

Scarborough's RSPCA inspector, Geoff Edmond, said: 'It is absolutely appalling and completely illegal to be shooting birds in this manner.

"When I saw a picture I assumed it was the first bird but with a closer look you can see the difference in the bolts.

"But we still don't know if this seagull has been shot at the same time as the first one or later. This is a concern, it looks like there are two seagulls flying around injured and a concern that somebody has been shooting them."

He said he is keeping watch for the two seagulls, adding: "If anyone has an information about these injured animals please get in contact, you can reach us at 0300 1234999."