An investigation has begun after a number of birds were found dead at a nature reserve in East Yorkshire.
The RSPB said in a social media post that the fatalities at its site at Bempton Cliffs were being investigated for any possible link to avian flu.
The charity said that kittiwakes seemed to be particularly affected with many found dead “on the cliffs and sea”.
It said the site would remain open to the public, but warned people not to touch any dead birds they found.
The site north of Bridlington is home to about 500,000 sea birds during the breeding season.
The RSPB said many of the birds were leaving their nests as the newly- hatched young flew off.
“While it is worrying, the birds affected are in a localised area,” the charity said in a Twitter post.
“It is hoped that the majority of the birds will leave the cliffs before the impact worsens.”
The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has been informed.