A gull has survived being shot with a 28-inch arrow – and x-rays revealed it also has an air pellet embedded in its body from an earlier attack.

RSPCA officials are calling for anyone with information to come forward after they were contacted by a concerned member of the public on Sunday, June 23.

The gull had been found with an arrow "skewering its body". However, inspectors were unable to catch it on the day the incident was reported, and it was eventually caught in Canford Cliffs Road, Poole, on Monday.

It was caught by animal welfare officer Jo Blackburn and taken to the RSPCA's Bournemouth clinic for emergency treatment.

Jo said: “The x-rays taken of the herring gull show that the arrow has been shot straight through the bird and has been left deeply embedded into the upper body.

“The person who called us was horrified when they saw the arrow in his body.

"A colleague was unable to catch the bird on Sunday as he was still flying, but on Monday, he was unable to lift off the ground and I was able to rescue him.

“Sadly the x-ray has shown there is also an air gun pellet in the bird as well, which is thought to have come from an earlier incident as there is no recent entrance wound.

“There is no question as to whether this was deliberate. Someone intentionally shot this poor gull with the purpose of causing harm, or killing the bird.

“We are appealing for anyone who has any information on who might have done this, or who recognises the distinctive green and black fletching on the arrow, to contact us as soon as possible, and in complete confidence, on 0300 123 8018.”

All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal - except under licence - to take, injure or kill wild birds.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, the use of crossbows to kill or take birds is also prohibited. The maximum penalty, if found guilty, is six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.