These shocking images show a seagull that had to be put down, after it was shot with a crossbow in Cornwall.

Workers at an industrial estate in St Austell found the bird with the bolt through its body, staggering round in distress.

The workers then contacted the RSPCA after noticing the injured bird was unable to fly away.

Animal collection officer Peter Ferris attended the scene and took the bird to a vet, who sadly found that the injuries were too severe to survive and the bird was put to sleep.

Mr Ferris said: "It’s a sad thought that somebody would shoot an animal for no reason and just leave it to suffer.

"It is hard to comprehend what somebody is thinking when carrying out this sort of action on an animal.

“This poor bird would have suffered a great deal from this heartless attack and may have been injured for some time as he was also quite underweight.

"When he was found, he was staggering around a building supplies yard, unable to open his wings and fly, with the crossbow bolt embedded in his body.

“We are hoping someone may know how he came to be injured, or who is responsible, and are urging anyone with any information about this incident to contact us on 0300 123 8018.”

All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is illegal, except under licence, to take, injure or kill wild birds.

The use of crossbows to kill or take birds is also prohibited by the act, and if found guilty, the maximum penalty is six months in prison and/or a £5,000 fine.

The RSPCA is appealing for information, and are urging any witnesses to come forward.