19-05-2025
Divebombing seagull mugs Scots pensioner, 74, before nicking ice cream cone
They had to take cover in doorways but the greedy gull got them at a Zebra crossing
CONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Divebombing seagull mugs Scots pensioner, 74, before nicking ice cream cone
A PENSIONER has told how he was mugged in a minute by a seagull who nicked his ice cream.
Gordon Ashley, 74, was dive-bombed by the winged raider and sent sprawling in the middle of a road.
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The greedy gull stalked Gordon and his daughter before swooping down and nicking his cone
Credit: ALAMY
And as he lay injured, the greedy gull flew off with his cone in Nairn, Inverness-shire.
Gordon said: 'These birds are protected species but who protects old guys walking up the high street? I was embarrassed and angry.
'I grazed by knees but it was my pride that hurt more than anything.'
Retired catering boss Gordon told how the bizarre attack happened while he was out for a walk with his grown-up daughter.
They were stalked by the gull as soon as they emerged from a shop with two cones.
They thought they had shaken it off by taking cover in doorways but the bird got them at a zebra crossing.
Gordon said: 'We were out in the open and had nowhere to hide. It took a different track and came in at a low angle. I took a few paces but tripped over the kerb. I was down on my hands and knees.
'Traffic stopped because we were on the crossing. I parted company with the cone and two seagulls devoured it. They were delighted. I took it lightheartedly but there's a serious side, too.
'Seagulls are coming into our town and attacking us. Businesses in Nairn that rely on tourism are affected. It's a problem.'
We told previously how a beachside sandwich maker is offering seagull insurance to customers - because brazen birds keep snatching toasties out of their hands.
Scots seaside cafe offering 'seagull insurance' to customers after spate of toastie thefts
Sam Larg, 39, said regulars at his Cheesy Toast Shack will get their stolen sarnies replaced if they pay an optional 50p charge.
He reckons the hungry raiders feast on up to 30 of his lunchtime favourites daily by divebombing diners in St Andrews, Fife.
