Police are hunting a man who allegedly grabbed a seagull and smashed it against a wall because it tried to steal his food – leaving horrified children watching on with broken wings.
The attack happened by the harbour in Porthleven, Cornwall on Monday afternoon, according to Devon and Cornwall Police. A witness on social media claimed the man struck at the Harbour View Café after the bird attempted to take his food.
“Police investigating man who grabbed and punched seagull in front of children in Porthleven, Cornwall.”
“This man brutally and repeatedly smashed a seagull against the wall of the Harbour View Café because it tried to steal some food,” the witness said. “He then stuffed the seagull through the fence onto the road, where it floundered with two broken wings. This was in front of numerous people and children who were hugely upset.”
A police spokesperson confirmed: “We have been made aware following a report of a seagull being injured by a man by the harbour in Porthleven on the afternoon of Monday, July 13. It was reported the suspect grabbed and punched the seagull leaving it injured. Enquiries into the matter are ongoing.”
Seagulls, like all wild birds, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it illegal to intentionally kill, take or injure them. The RSPCA notes that some species, such as herring gulls and kittiwakes, are on the UK Red List as populations decline.
Police have appealed for anyone with relevant footage or information to call 101 or visit their website quoting 50260183379. The suspect remains unidentified, and the bird’s fate is unknown.