One McDonald’s customer has been left burger-less, demanding a full refund after his Big Mac was stolen by a seagull.
Wayne Simpson had just bought the popular burger from his local chain in South Shields and was about to enjoy his first bite when a gull swooped down and snatched it from his hands.
The 56-year-old from Sunderland was left gobsmacked and is now demanding action be taken to stop it happening again.
He has urged the council to do something, and similar incidents have been reported across Sunderland too.
One notorious incident involved a particularly fearless seagull that walked into a Greggs branch and made off with a packet of crisps.
Speaking to The Sunderland Echo, he said: “It’s getting quite a problem. It happens all the time to everybody”.
The outlet reported that the gulls have been growing increasingly bold over the past few years.
Mr Simpson was left so outraged after the incident that he contacted his local council suggesting some potential solutions.
He also requested a refund for his Big Mac.
Mr Simpson said he believes he should be given his money back as, due to “no fault of his own” he was unable to eat it.
At the fast food venue in South Tyneside, there have been discussions in the past over placing a roof but this has never come to fruition.
But the scalded burger-eater believes a roof or net might be the answer and he added: “The roof may spoil King Street but a net would work and stop people getting attacked. The council has to do something about it.
“You don’t want conflict between you and seagulls, which will happen if nothing is done”.
Cllr Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change on South Tyneside Council said: “Seagulls are a very common sight in South Shields, as they are in any other seaside town.
“We do have measures in place to prevent birds from roosting and nesting in the town centre area and we would encourage businesses to make adequate arrangements to bird- proof buildings where roosting or nesting is an issue."
