A DUNDEE ornithologist last night moved to reassure residents about the aggressive antics of the city’s seagulls following an attack on a toddler.

Two-year-old Eilidh Sloan was swooped on by around 40 of the birds as she fed the ducks in Stobsmuir Park yesterday.

But Bob McCurley, chairman of the Angus and Dundee Bird Club, said the gulls’ behaviour was due to a natural protective instinct during the nesting season.

Eilidh, who was with her grandmother Jannette Walker (55), was attacked by a crowd of the birds.

“They were swooping for her and for the bread in her hands,” said Mrs Walker, of Douglas.

“Eilidh got a bit of a fright so we got her away as quick as we could and she calmed down afterwards.

“It was an unpleasant experience but fortunately she wasn’t harmed at all.

“There were just so many of them and they were so big. I’m not sure it would be safe for young ones to be there on their own.”

Mrs Walker said she has complained to Dundee City Council about the gulls three times, but nothing has been done.

“I think it’s very important as some child is going to get hurt,” she added.

She is also concerned for cygnets and ducklings, adding, “There are only two cygnets left and no sign of any ducklings.”

Mr McCurley said, “The fact they attacked the girl suggests that the gulls must have young. Their natural instinct leads them to defend their nesting area from predators.

“It will have been a terrible experience for the girl, and I’m glad she’s not been injured because in some cases they can draw blood.

“Gulls do not normally attack humans, but most birds are highly offensive when their territorial areas are threatened.”

He said the chicks will have flown the nest by the end of June, leaving the birds much more placid.

Mr McCurley said he had never heard of seagulls attacking ducklings or cygnets.