**Article contains image that some readers may find distressing**

AN INTERNAL investigation is underway at a college in Rhos-on-Sea after claims pupils used a seagull “as a football" before it eventually died.

The seagull, known as Thomas, was given medicine and pain relief by wild bird charity Foundation for Feathered Friends before later dying.

The charity said the incident occurred on September 11 at Coleg Llandrillo, Llandudno Road, and was witnessed by one of its volunteers, also a student at the college.

This student reported seeing “a group of youths using Thomas as a football of sorts passing him between each other”, and upon trying to intervene said one of the group “threw him down so that he landed heavily on his side”.

North Wales Pioneer: Thomas the seagull, who was kicked around and thrown on the ground.Thomas the seagull, who was kicked around and thrown on the ground. (Image: Foundation for Feathered Friends)

Foundation For Feathered Friends said the seagull initially seemed unhurt but later died of suspected internal injuries.

A Foundation for Feathered Friends spokesperson said: “Thomas' rescuer took him to Rhos beach and set him free on the waves so he could return to Gulhalla to take his place with the other gulls who no longer occupy this space.

“It was not the release we hoped for.

“We have spoken and written to Llandrillo College to ask if we can work together to prevent such a thing from happening again.

“We are told abuse of gulls is commonplace with students.”

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Coleg Llandrillo said an investigation is now underway, and condemned the “dreadful, deeply upsetting and unacceptable” incident.

A spokesperson for Grŵp Llandrillo Menai said: "We thank the Foundation for Feathered Friends for bringing to our attention the dreadful, deeply upsetting and unacceptable incident at our Llandrillo Campus.

"We are undertaking an investigation and would ask any learner with information about the incident to contact the college.

"We do not condone or support animal cruelty and any learner involved in this type of activity will be disciplined and reported to the police."