RSPCA rescuers used a croissant to lure a young gull into the entrance of a Greggs store to help untangle him from a fishing line.

RSPCA inspector Carl Larsson and trainee animal rescue officer Anth Hodgson were called to Sunderland city centre on Monday, September 7 after a passersby spotted a gull struggling to fly.

Anth said: “Witnesses said the gull was struggling to get around and had red string tied around his legs.

“We went along to the High Street and quickly located him and, although his mobility had been affected by the line around his legs, he still gave us the run-around.

RSPCA inspector Carl Larsson and trainee animal rescue officer Anth Hodgson were called to Sunderland city centre after a gull had got tangled up in a fishing line.

placeholder image — RSPCA inspector Carl Larsson and trainee animal rescue officer Anth Hodgson were called to Sunderland city centre after a gull had got tangled up in a fishing line.

“The lovely staff at Greggs gave us a croissant from their bakery and we crumbled it up and used it to lure the gull down from a lamppost into a covered walkway outside Greggs, where we were able to corner him and catch him with our net.

“We carefully restrained him and cut the fishing line which was wrapped tightly around his legs.

"Thankfully, it hadn’t damaged his skin and we were able to release him there and then – which he was very pleased about.”

This was Anth’s first wildlife rescue since completing his training and one that had an outcome he was “really proud of”.

The gull was struggling to walk and had red string tied around his legs.

He said: “It was my first proper wildlife job and I’m really proud of how we dealt with it and the outcome.

"It’s always so special to see a wildlife animal running or flying back out into the wild where they belong, knowing that we’ve probably saved their life that day.

“This is a job I've always wanted to do and it’s such an amazing role and a privilege to be working so closely with these amazing animals.”

The RSPCA is reminding the public of the dangers litter poses to animals and is urging the fishing community in particular to help spread the message about disposing of waste properly.

Carl added: “Fishing litter can be extremely hazardous to wildlife.

"Sadly, we’re called regularly to wild animals, particularly birds, who have become entangled in lines and hooks which have done major damage to them.

“We know the majority of anglers are very responsible but it only takes one piece of discarded kit to cause birds like this gull a great deal of suffering.”