A seagull rests on a lamp on Brighton Pier in Brighton, southern England. [Photo/AFP]

Seagulls, a familiar presence at Britain's seaside resorts, seagulls have this summer spread fear after ambushing holidaymakers as they tuck into their fish and chips, and even attacking pets.

The country's tabloid newspapers have had a field day, with headlines including: "Seagull stole my iPhone" (The Sun), "Moment killer seagull turns cannibal" (The Daily Mail) and "Psycho seagulls keep out illegals" (Daily Express).