Three fire engines including aerial platform called to rescue trapped seagull at Houndshill shopping centre

Three fire engines including an aerial platform were called to Houndshill shopping centre in Blackpool on Saturday after the bird became entangled in netting on the outside of the building.

The rescue, which was carried out by around 12 firefighters using an aerial platform, was witnessed by stunned passers-by below at around 7pm.

Karl Davies, who was staying at the Topaz Guest House on Albert Road, said: “My stepdaughter saw the fire engines from her room, so we went outside wondering what was going on. It was a seagull on the outside of the Houndshill. I’ve never seen anything like that before.

“There were three fire engines and there were about 12 firefighters.

“I think they got it out and let it go. It must have been quite distressed but they cut it out and luckily it didn’t seem to give them any trouble.”

A fire service spokesman said: “Crews were called at 18:56 to Houndshill shopping centre to rescue a seagull which was trapped in netting.

“Crews used an aerial ladder platform and a net to release the bird. They were at the scene for just over 30 minutes.”