City folk warned not to fight seagulls by pest service

However that's exactly what seagulls have a habit of doing, ready to pounce on any loose chip or breadcrumb.

And while squaring up with the seaside birds might seem like a good way to warn them off, the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has urged caution instead.

Norwich Evening News reporter Francis Redwood in a standoff with a seagull (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

It's asked that people take care during gull nesting season, which particularly heightens in the summer.

The birds are incredibly protective creatures, especially during nesting season and anyone who gets too close can expect a violent retaliation and even injury.

However seagulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

So it's an offence to intentionally injure or kill any gull, or to take, damage or destroy an active nest or its contents.

Seagulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

Businesses, locals and even our own reporter know what seagulls can get up to. 

Trevor Stevens lives just outside the city centre with his wife Shirley. He said: "They nest near us and they'll dive bomb you if you get too close.

"You can also hear them squawking at the crack of dawn - it's like they've all moved inland from the coast."

Trevor and Shirley Stevens (Image: Newsquest)

Mrs Stevens added: "They're everywhere and I think they need to be culled.

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"They're essentially rats with wings and carry diseases."

Danny Davey, who comes to the city centre often, added: "They can be a pain when you've just paid £5 for some fish.

Norwich Evening News reporter Francis Redwood seeing what the city seagulls get up to (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

"As soon as you sit down they come flocking.

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"It seems like there's a lot around the market with all the food stalls."

Barclay Gray, owner of Lucy's Fish and Chips, said: "They'll go to the back of the market where all the bins are and pull all of the rubbish out.

"Especially during the weekend when it's busier and they're overflowing - it doesn't take long before they're all over it."

Danny Davey said as soon as you sit down seagulls come flocking (Image: Newsquest)

How to protect yourself from a seagull attack

Lift your arms to protect your head if a seagull begins swooping at you.

Keep your arms above your head, but don't wave them around.

Move away from the area until the gull stops attacking you.

Barclay Gray at Lucy's Fish and Chips stall (Image: Archant)

Waving your arms around to try and fend off the seagull may just aggravate it more and make the attack worse.

People are strongly advised not to feed seagulls as this will not only increase the seagull population.

It's an offence to intentionally injure or kill any seagull (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)