AMBULANCE bosses have scotched rumours of a 'mass killing' of pigeons at one of their bases, but admitted the birds were causing problems for paramedics.

South Central Ambulance Service tackled what it said were ‘inaccurate and misleading’ social media posts regarding pigeon culling, insisting they were ‘categorically untrue” and saying staff had faced significant abuse over the claims.

It followed fake rumours of a ‘mass killing’ of pigeons at Portsmouth ambulance yesterday (Thursday).

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A spokesperson said: “We would like to address the issue of inaccurate and misleading social media posts circulating regarding pest control management at SCAS.

“This specifically relates to a suggestion of pigeon culling supposedly due to take place on one of our sites... which is categorically untrue.

“There are no plans for any such activity to take place...”

In the statement, it was explained that there had been a large increase in the volume of pigeons at the base and that the service was working closely with experts in bird control and advisory bodies such as Natural England, to explore legal options available to reduce the level of bird fouling and nesting within the station.

Options include humanely trapping birds in cages with space, food and water before releasing them, and installing netting to dissuade them from returning.

The service added in a statement: “As a result of the misleading social media posts – one of which included a stock image of dead pigeons for 'illustration purposes' and is in no way associated with the trust – our staff have received significant abuse via email and phone calls from members of the public.

“This is unacceptable and such activity online is irresponsible given the increase in unnecessary communication it has caused at a time of significant pressure across the trust.

“We are also concerned about threats to protest at our site which could impede our ability to carry out our day-to-day activities for patients. We will not tolerate any form of abuse to our staff under any circumstances and the police have been informed.

“We urge everyone to take note of what we have said and cease contacting various staff and the wider organisation about issues which are not true.”

The service said it was standard practice “to ensure ongoing management of pest control in the interests of the health and safety of staff, patients and visitors."

Adding: "It is not unusual for large organisations to do this.”

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