An investigation has been launched after staff at a train operating company allegedly shot protected birds.

According to an anonymous source, two members of Avanti staff have been suspended after they were reported for shooting seagulls and other birds at Carlisle's train station.

Avanti West Coast confirmed that an investigation had been launched after allegations were made.

All species of gull are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

A spokesperson for Avanti West Coast said: “We are aware of an allegation and are currently investigating it.”

The train operating company declined to offer any more details.

The RSPCA said it had been informed of the allegation on July 2, however a spokesman said it was not always appropriate to publicise information.

"We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into any complaints made to us about animal welfare.

“A lot of the time issues will be dealt with by advice and education and it is not always appropriate to publicise this information for legal reasons."

Information published by the RSPB, a charity which works to protect birds, says it is illegal to intentionally kill any gull or damage or destroy an active nest.

"The UK administrations can issue licences, permitting nests to be destroyed or even birds to be killed if there is no non-lethal solution and if it is done to prevent serious damage to agriculture, the spread of disease, to preserve public health and safety and air safety, or to conserve other wild birds. These licences can be specific - issued to individuals on a case-by-case basis or general granted annually by the country administrations for use by an ‘authorised person’."