RSPCA warns people to throw used PPE in the bin after seagull gets tangled in face mask

A gull with a disposable Covid-19 face mask tangled around its feet has been freed by the RSPCA in Essex.

The charity has issued a reminder for people to dispose of litter responsibly after the bird was rescued in Chelmsford.

Staff at a car showroom nearby had spotted the gull around a week earlier and were concerned that he seemed to be struggling to walk.

Whenever they got near him to see what was wrong he flew off.

On Saturday they became increasingly concerned because he'd been sat in the same spot for hours so they called the RSPCA.

Staff at South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Grays cut the mask off, freeing the gull.

The charity is now appealing to members of the public to ensure they dispose of their face masks and disposable gloves - and all other types of litter - properly and responsibly, so that animals don't get hurt.