Seagulls snatched young cygnets from a family of swans as distressed riverside walkers looked on in horror.

The babies were targeted on the banks of the River Medway earlier in the summer despite the efforts of their parents to fight off the attacking gulls.

Now, the RSPCA says it is powerless to intervene and help the poor birds who have been nesting along The Esplanade, near Rochester Castle.

The body of an adult swan was spotted by concerned residents who have been watching the family for many years.

Others have seen gulls swarming around the swans and one even witnessed a harrowing moment a seagull grabbed one of the cygnets.

Debbie Drake, posting on the Rochester Community Friends page, said: "I have just witnessed a seagull take one of the baby swans. It was so distressing to see.

"The bigger swans put up a fight but it was just too late."

The attack was witnessed in June when the breeding pair had seven chicks.

Since the attacks, walkers say just there are just three babies left and it appears an adult swan has succumbed.

It is not known how the bird died.

Eric Linin said he saw the body of the swan and was "left shaken" having followed the family for the last few years.

He added: "The other adult and three cygnets were sitting a couple of yards away from the body - a most distressing sight indeed.

"No indication of what had happened to it either. It’s just all so terribly sad."

'I have just witnessed a seagull take one of the baby swans. It was so distressing to see,' Debbie Drake

One of the missing cygnets was taken in by the RSPCA on August 15 after suffering severe injuries to its leg after falling down the bank and getting stuck in the mud.

The charity says it has not been called out to specific gull attack incidents.

It is understood the most likely cause of gulls attacking is to protect their own babies from other birds.

RSPCA spokesman Emily Stott said: "This is a natural behaviour and therefore the RSPCA would not intervene.

"We understand it must be distressing for members of the public who may have witnessed something like this and would urge anyone who sees an injured animal in need of rescue to call us."

To help injured wildlife call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

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