A major UK city has been worst hit by a surge in seagull attacks, with terrifying reports people having to hide indoors to avoid them.

Seagull attacks are becoming an increasing problem in coastal areas across the UK, and particularly in Glasgow, which has the highest population of the master scavengers.

Information obtained by the MailOnline showed Glasgow City Council recording concerns from locals, including accounts they were given of birds being fed, which in turn attracted “swarms of seagulls and caller can’t open window or go outside as they are being attacked by seagulls, with this happening daily”.

They also noted the grim detail that the seagull incidents included the birds “eating rats daily”.

It’s thought seagulls are travelling further inland more than ever because of dropping fish numbers. James Silvey, species and habitats officer at RSPB Scotland, told the paper that the build-ups of the creatures in urban areas “reflects that traditional habitats and food sources are in decline, making it harder for them to survive and raise young in their natural habitats”.

The hungry birds often make audacious attempts to steal food from beachgoers (Image: SWNS)

He called for urgent action “to help gulls and other globally important seabird colonies in Scotland recover”.

Though many regard them as a menace, seagulls are protected under the law in Scotland. However, if they are perceived to pose a serious risk, special applications can be made to get rid of them.

Express.co.uk has approached Glasgow City Council for comment.

According to the newpaper, almost 700 complaints have been raised at councils all across Scotland this year already, after only 600 during the whole of 2023.

These included disturbing accounts of children being left bloodied by swoop attacks, and household pets being targeted.

It’s also affected local takeaway businesses. A local firm in Fife has even brought in a “toastie insurance” after becoming fed up with the birds lurking around and pinching their customers’ food.

Kate Carter-Larg, who runs the Cheesy Toast Shack in St Andrews with husband Sam, said: “There’s been so many seagull attacks and it’s been ramping up over the last couple of years.

“Our record is 30 attacks in one day so we wanted to come up with something that could protect both the customer and the business.

“People will come to take photos of our sandwiches – and the minute they hold a toastie up for a pic – all the seagulls dive bomb them.”

People have given chilling accounts of how cunning the creatures can be.

Gavin Lindsay, of Anglo Scottish Pest Control, which deals with gull complaints in the capital Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders, told the Mail he saw a gull “sitting on top of a bin” before “shooting upwards and swallowing a starling in mid-air, like a bird of prey”.

He added: “It was quite remarkable and shows the capability of these birds. They are intelligent creatures and able to recognise our staff, and we have seen gulls gather in huge numbers and act aggressively towards us when they see us coming out of our vans.”