A SEAGULL had to be rescued by fire crews after becoming tangled in balloon ribbon - prompting the RSPCA to warn people about the dangers of balloon releases to animals.

The RSPCA and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service were called to rescue the gull who had been caught up in a TV aerial.

The bird was hanging by his legs upside-down from the aerial on the two-storey house, in Capel Close, Stanford-le-Hope.

Firefighters used an aerial ladder platform to reach the gull and cut him free.

The crew then passed him to the RSPCA who took the bird to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital, in Orsett, where he is currently being cared for.

Sue Schwar, from the hospital, said the bird is making a good recovery.

She added: “He seems to be doing ok but he is still lame on one leg.”

The rescue has prompted the animal charity to issue a warning about the dangers of releasing balloons and lanterns around this time of year.

RSPCA Animal Collection Officer Joseph White said: “I would really like to thank the firefighters for all their effort in helping to rescue this bird.

“Had the bird been left they would have suffered tremendously as there was no way they could get free by themselves.

“The firefighters were able to cut the bird free then put them in a cardboard carrier.

“When the bird was brought down to the ground I held him and a firefighter cut off what I believe was balloon ribbon from the bird’s legs.

“The bird is recovering at the hospital, although he is still unable to use his leg properly at this time.”

The RSPCA want to remind people that although balloons released into the sky can make an impressive sight, sadly they can be lethal to animals.

Deflated balloons or fragments of balloons can be mistaken for food by animals.

The RSPCA said ingesting balloons can cause a slow death to wild birds and mammals as well as farm animals, horses and marine life.

The danger arises as it blocks the digestive or respiratory tracts, and the attached strings can strangle the animals.

Even balloons that are classified as degradable are unsafe, as they can take weeks to break down so still pose a risk.

The RSPCA, along with other animal welfare groups, is calling for an end to balloon and sky lantern releases.

As an alternative, the charity offers creative ideas on how to celebrate or raise money for charity without releasing balloons outside via its webpage about litter.

You can find out more information at www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/litter

For more information about the South Essex Wildlife Hospital visit southessexwildlife.org/emergencies-and-contact