SHOPPERS in Trowbridge this week found themselves divebombed by a pair of distressed seagull parents, trying to protect their youngster.

The fledgling, which is not yet ready to fly, is thought to have fallen from their nest and has been spotted in the Court Street and Mill Street area of town, walking in the road, on pavements and under cars and scavenging for food.

"The little fella has been wandering around for over a week, crying for mum and dad who are hovering around and mobbing anyone who comes close to it, me included," said Mike Prior, of Ashton Street.

The RSPCA advice on fallen fledglings is that people should not try to rescue them but should leave them strictly alone. The animal charity also reminds well-meaning people that parent birds can be very protective and have been known to attack kind-hearted people attempting to rescue fallen fledglings and even injure them.