Seagull caught in fishing wire is rescued by firefighters

This is the moment a dozen firefighters with a cherry picker launched a rescue operation to save a sea bird tied to a lamp post by fishing wire.

Video footage shows the bird dangling in the air from the street light, flapping around helplessly as the rescuers tried to help.

It was spotted by grandfather-of-three Michael Gallagher, 57, while he was out having his lunch in Gourock, Inverclyde, in Scotland on Monday (21).

He noticed the large fire service presence near the sea, and was worried someone had fallen in the water, so he went to see what was going on.

Welder Michael said: "I thought something serious had happened because there was a lot of firemen over there.

"I was wondering if someone was in trouble in the water.

"But then I saw the bird up there flapping. It had fishing wire tangled around its foot.

"It was dangling from the street light and I did feel sorry for it. It was completely stuck up there.

"It's not nice to see an animal in distress."

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service had to deploy a cherry picker to reach the dangling bird.

The bird was cut free and released at around 3pm.

Michael said he was surprised so many firefighters had been called out to rescue the gull.

He said: "There were at least ten fire officers there and I was surprised.

"I thought something really serious had happened and that's why I went over to have a look."

Scotland Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for comment.