Blackpool is being plagued by thieving seagulls taking peoples' food

People have been urged not to feed seagulls after they were spotted stealing innocent peoples' food near a seaside resort.

The Blackpool seafront has been experiencing a rise in aggressive birds attempting to take food as people eat, with residents and the local council reporting a problem with the birds.

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Earlier this year, a local zoo aimed to recruit a team of people to wear bird costumes in an attempt to curb the menacing birds. Some locals believe that the seagulls have become more aggressive due to the latest batch of chicks.

Lifeguard Lauren Brook, 23, said: "They're a constant nuisance. Generally, visitors might feed them or put a chip out on the floor for them or encourage them to take it from their hand.

"But if you get some any food out, they pick it straight up and they want more and then they come and attack them after that. When I've not been working I've been attacked by them.

"When I've been having a sandwich walking along, I've been swooped on by a seagull. The main thing is for people to just realise that by feeding them, it's making them worse, so don't feed them."

A spokesman for Blackpool Council said: “Seagulls are a natural part of seaside life and we have around seven miles of coastline so it is inevitable that birds are attracted to the environment. However, we urge residents and tourists not to feed them or leave litter or food behind on the streets which may encourage them.

"As part of that goal we provide many litter bins located across the Promenade and the town to dispose of waste. We also look wider to tackle any potential problems by additionally providing seagull-proof refuse sacks free of