Cumbria Police are urging people ‘not to share and speculate’ after receiving reports of an alleged seagull shooting.

The alleged incident of a teenage boy shooting a seagull with a catapult in Carlisle was reported at 10:36pm on Tuesday, July 7.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Police said: “We would strongly encourage everyone not to share or speculate on unverified information.

“Carlisle neighbourhood policing team are aware of a video circulating online relating to this incident.

“Anyone with information which can assist this investigation can report online at https://orlo.uk/8UApm quoting log 265 of the 7 July 2026.

“You can also phone on 101 or alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

Enquiries are currently ongoing.

All gull species are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which makes it and offence to intentionally kill, injure, or take any wild gull.

Damage or destroy an active nest or its contents (eggs and chicks) or prevent birds from accessing their nests.

The penalties for committing these offences include unlimited fines and a potential six months prison sentence.