Birds discovered covered in oil

Rescuers are urging the public not to try and clean the birds

Wildlife campaigners are stepping up patrols along Sussex beaches after a number of birds were discovered coated in oil.

East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service said six seabirds have been found in the last three days.

The birds, which were "dripping in oil", were spotted in the Eastbourne, Cuckmere Haven and Brighton areas.

Rescue co-ordinator Trevor Weeks said there had been no major oil spills so the oil may have been dumped at sea.

'70% survival rate'

"Oil has probably been whipped up to the surface during rough weather as it does not just disappear once dumped in our seas.

"It is possible that a tanker has recently washed its tanks clean out at sea, which is illegal now, but very few resources are ploughed into stopping this," Mr Weeks added.

He said if the birds are treated properly recent studies have shown that 70% will survive once they are released.

Anyone who finds an oiled bird is urged not to deal with it themselves and instead to take it to a vet or the RSPCA.