Seagulls are the most loathed birds in the UK and many view them as 'thugs', according to a new study

They snatch our food from seaside promenades, cover cars in their mess and bully smaller birds.

And because of their threatening behaviour, seagulls are the most loathed birds in the country, according to a new study.

A staggering 95 per cent of the country 'detest' seagulls and many view them as the 'thugs' of the bird world.

The new research, carried out by Norfolk-based clothing company Gone Crabbing, asked 1,200 Brits about the behaviour of birds in the UK.

It found seagulls are the most hated, closely followed by pigeons, because they are 'noisy' and 'messy', and magpies because they are 'thieves'.

Ravens, rooks and crows appear next on the list because they remind us of horror films and because they are 'eerie' looking.

However, it seems seagulls are appreciated by a small proportion of the country.

One in 20 Brits said they 'love' seagulls because of their link to the coast.

Susie Mason, managing director at Gone Crabbing, said: 'It's surprising how hated seagulls are.

'I was expecting magpies and pigeons to fare far worse.'

Pheasants were on the 'most hated' list because they cause accidents on the roads and sparrows came in eighth place because they are 'dull' looking.

Surprisingly cuckoos were also included as they were deemed 'ugly and birds of prey because they kill smaller birds and pets.

The birds are disliked because they dive bomb people, steal food and rifle through bins on collection day

A 59-year-old woman tried to sue her company's landlord after she was badly injured in a vicious attack by a seagull.

Cathie Kelly lost her footing and fell heavily after losing her shoe in the feathered assailant's attack.

The project officer, who works in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland was left upset and injured by the bird’s dive-bombing, but was not given compensation.

An 18-year-old art student was also injured after an adult gull swooped and pecked her on the head.

Shannon Harris tried to help a seagull chick - but was attacked by its mother leaving her with a bloody head wound.

Ravens were hated because they are eerie looking and remind people of horror films