THESE pictures show a major rescue operation by fire crews to save a baby seagull who got stuck on a roof.

Emergency services were called after the stricken gull was trapped in a gutter and appeared distressed.

Witnesses said the street in Plymouth, Devon, was fully closed off as several firefighters, the police, and the RSPCA attended to help the bird.

It was eventually freed by fire crews and after being checked over by the RSPCA it flew off.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, questioned whether the scale of the rescue was proper use of taxpayers money.

They said: "It was really unusual to see our entire road closed for a seagull to be rescued.

"There was one concerned family in the street. It was on one house and then went over to a neighbour's one.

"The family first called the RSPCA and 24 hours later the fire brigade showed up. They used a ladder, like a suspension crane, to get it down."

The witness, who filmed the rescue, said that it took place at around 7pm on Sunday, July 12.

They added: "The total cost to the taxpayer to save a baby seagull must have been quite high.

"They went up in a crane and closed the road with bollards. The bird didn't come at once and it had to be poked and went crazy.

"A woman from the fire brigade then grabbed it and put it in a box and gave it to the RSPCA.

"They checked it over to make sure it didn't have a broken wing or any issues and eventually it was let loose.

"I don't think this is a good use of taxpayers' money and I think most people would agree.

"They could have just let this baby seagull do its thing and I am sure it would have flown off by itself eventually."

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has been asked for comment.