Seagull trapped behind fireplace for 3 days is saved after painstaking rescue mission

A seagull is recovering from his terrifying ordeal being stuck behind a pensioner’s fireplace for three days.

After flying down the chimney at the property of the 88-year-old Hartlepool, Teesside resident - who is terrified of birds - the distressed animal defied a rescue attempt by hiding on a ledge.

It was only when RSPCA Inspector Steph Baines went to the house that the bird was prised from its spot and released to safety, Teesside Live reports.

The chimney's gas supply was disconnected by an engineer and the fireplace taken out, before the gull was eventually located behind the fireplace.

The stricken gull is now recovering from his ordeal at a Sunderland-based rescue centre.

Upon his rescue the gull appeared to have a respiratory problem, probably brought on by the sooty environment (RSPCA)

It is hoped it will be possible to return him to the wild soon.

"The householder was an 88-year-old lady who is terrified of birds, so she’d called out a chimney sweep," said Steph.

"She’d heard him making noises three days before. But when the gas supply was disconnected by an engineer and the fireplace taken out, there was no sign of him. At that stage he may have moved up onto a ledge.

"When I went back I found him behind the fireplace. It had been loosened, so I was able to take it off again and release him."

RSCPA officers managed to free the stricken bird - only after the fireplace was removed and gas supply disconnected (RSPCA)

The gull was covered in soot and his feathers and feet were scuffed. He also appeared to have a respiratory problem brought on probably by the sooty environment. He has since been examined and given a bath at the rescue centre.

And Steph added: "He’s had a lucky escape as he was trapped and obviously very panicky. Hopefully, with some recovery time he will be fine.

"With Hartlepool being a seaside town we get a lot of gulls nesting on roofs from where they can drop down into the chimneys.

"Prevention can be better than cure, for example by capping off chimney pots to stop this happening."

Adult birds that do fly down chimneys, and are uninjured, can sometimes make their own way out. In those cases the RSPCA advises householders to open windows and doors in the room and monitor the situation for a couple of hours as the bird may be encouraged to follow the light and make their own escape.

But, if the bird remains trapped then call the RSPCA helpline on 0300 1234 999.