FIREFIGHTERS were called to rescue a seagull trapped on a third-floor balcony.

A crew used ladders to get up to the fourth storey of Hardwicke House in The Esplanade, Seaford.

They were alerted by Seahaven Bird Rescue just before 6pm on Sunday.

The owner of the flat was not in at the time. The bird was trapped behind a glass balcony and unable to take off.

The crew brought the bird down to safety and handed it over to the bird rescue charity, which checked it over and released it.

Jay Cullen, a trustee of Seahaven Bird Rescue, said: “Gulls need about three feet to take off; they can’t take off vertically like other birds.”

A crowd gathered to watch the rescue, including one onlooker who, according to Mr Cullen, said the birds should be shot.

Mr Cullen added: “We have a plan with the fire service and only call them when an animal is distressed. I think it’s fair enough as part of a public service.”

He said each bird rescue costs about £68 on average, entirely funded by public donation.

The charity attends about ten calls a day and is available all the time.

To help, visit seahavenbirdrescue.org.uk.