Crossbow sadist using resort's seagulls as targets thought to have struck again

RSPCA inspectors have urged anyone with information to come forward after a second bird has been seen flying around the North Yorkshire resort.

A previous incident made headlines in May when a gull was seen in the resort still alive but with a bolt through its head

RSPCA inspector Geoff Edmond said: "It is absolutely appalling and completely illegal to be shooting birds in this manner. When I saw a picture I assumed it was the first bird but, with a closer look, you can see the difference in the bolts.

"But we still don't know if this seagull has been shot at the same time as the first one or later."

Meanwhile, South Yorkshire Police is offering a 200 reward to anyone who can provide information that leads to the conviction of an offender who shot dead a swan in Rotherham.

A female swan was shot with an air weapon while on its nest, brooding six eggs, near the Thrybergh Lane entrance inside Thrybergh Country Park during the last Bank Holiday weekend in May.

Officers from the local Safer Neighbourhood Team and rangers from the park have said they are "appalled" by the attack and are now working to ensure the safety of other animals and visitors to the park.

Five of the six eggs found

in the swan's nest have now hatched, and the new-born cygnets are currently being cared for by staff at Graves Park in Sheffield.

Anyone with information about the shooting can call

the Safer Neighbourhood Team on 01709 832422 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

RSPCA inspectors can be contacted about the Scarborough incidents on 0300 123 4999.