A Muslim woman in Grimsby says she has become the target of online abuse and public harassment after a misleading video of her rescuing a baby seagull was widely shared on social media with false claims about her actions.

Nora Mubarak was attempting to rescue a young seagull that had fallen from its rooftop nest when she was secretly filmed by two men. According to Mubarak, she wrapped the bird in a towel to protect it and later explained to those filming that she intended to return it safely to its mother. She says that part of the interaction was omitted from the video before it was shared online.

The edited footage was later circulated on social media with captions suggesting she had captured the bird for food. The clip gained significant attention after being reposted by public figures and far-right commentators, reaching millions of viewers.

Mubarak says the misinformation has had serious consequences. She claims she has experienced verbal abuse while walking in public, with strangers directing offensive comments toward her based on the false allegations. She also expressed concern for the safety of other Muslim women who wear traditional Islamic clothing, saying the incident has heightened fears about discrimination and harassment.

Speaking about the rescue, Mubarak said her only intention was to protect the injured bird until it could be reunited with its mother. She said a neighbour later used a ladder to return the seagull to its nest, where it was safely reunited with the adult birds.

The incident has renewed debate over the spread of misinformation on social media and the real-world impact that edited or misleading content can have on individuals and communities. Campaigners say false narratives shared online can contribute to harassment, hate speech and increased tensions, particularly against minority groups.

The case has also highlighted broader concerns about online accountability and the responsibility of users and public figures to verify information before sharing content with large audiences.