Seabirds killed by oily pollutant

Razorbills are among the seabirds washed up

Almost 100 dead seabirds have been found on the coast in the North East hit by a mystery oil-like slick.

The RSPCA said 98 birds have so far been washed up on a 70-mile stretch of coastline, between Sunderland and Amble, in Northumberland.

The dead birds - mostly sea ducks, guillemots and razorbills - were covered in the oil-like substance that has yet to be identified.

The RSPCA and Natural England have mounted an investigation.

The first bird was discovered, at Cullercoats Bay, North Tyneside, at the weekend by a member of the public, who alerted Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade to the pollution.

Public appeal

RSPCA chief inspector Michelle Charlton said: "We need anyone who finds a bird to bring it directly to the Blue Reef Aquarium on the seafront at Tynemouth, if they can.

"The stretch of coastline is just so large that it's proving really difficult for us to get out to every call and collect every bird.

"Any help the public can offer is very welcome indeed."

The charity urged anyone who finds dead or injured birds to use gloves as the nature of the pollutant remains unknown.

Ms Charlton added: "We don't know what the cause is yet.

"Our concern is the welfare of the birds being brought in to us, and we are focussing all of our attention on that."