The incident happened on Tuesday at the Hardwick branch of Sainsbury's in King's Lynn just before midday.

Shoppers became alarmed when they saw a seagull caught in the netting on the roof and unable to free itself.

A Sainsbury's supermarket in King's Lynn has been criticised for its use of bird netting (Image: Andrew Waddison)

Andrew Waddison, a local conservationist, said on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Sainsbury's, these wicked nets of yours have caught this stunning gull at your store at Hardwick, King's Lynn.

"It's panicking and in full sun. Staff says it's been reported, but they can't do anything.

Rebecca Hessler commented: "So cruel, to just leave this bird without help. Please act now."

Another user under the name hikingjen64 wrote: "These nets are cruel and unnecessary. Please do not use them."

A spokeswoman for the supermarket confirmed the bird was eventually freed from the netting.

“We take animal welfare seriously," she added.

"We use bird netting on some buildings for various reasons, including hygiene and to help prevent damage.

"Incidents like this are rare, but we're investigating further and double-checking the netting at the site to help prevent this from happening again.”

Hardwick Sainsbury's in King's Lynn (Image: Google Maps)

A spokesman for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) added: "While the practice of using netting to prevent birds nesting or roosting is legal in most cases, it should not be the easy alternative.

"It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that any netting used to stop birds nesting or roosting is fit for purpose, inspected regularly and maintained, and that any trapped birds and other wildlife are immediately released."

© Eastern Daily Press