Police are investigating after a man allegedly grabbed a seagull by the harbour in Porthleven, Cornwall and ‘smashed’ it against a wall because it tried to steal his food
Police are investigating after a man ‘grabbed and punched’ a seagull in front of traumatised children at a seaside town, allegedly leaving it with broken wings.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the incident took place by the harbour in Porthleven, Cornwall on Monday afternoon, with an onlooker claiming the it happened because the bird tried to steal food.
A witness on social media alleged the man attacked the seagull at the Harbour View Café when it attempted to take his food and he then “stuffed it through a fence” – where it was left with broken wings.
“This man brutally and repeatedly smashed a seagull against the wall of the Harbour View Café because it tried to steal some food,” said the person, who added that there were shocked children watching on.
“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.”
Police are now appealing for anyone with relevant footage or information to come forward, reports CornwallLive.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “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. Anybody with any relevant footage or information is asked to call 101 or visit our website quoting 50260183379.”
Seagulls are protected by law as are all wild birds.
The RSPCA states on its website: “Like all wild birds, gulls, their chicks and their nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This means it’s illegal to intentionally kill, take or injure gulls, take or destroy their eggs, or damage or destroy any gull nests while they’re in use or being built – unless you’re acting under licence.
“Although gulls are a common sight in many areas near the coast, some species of gull, such as herring gulls and kittiwakes, are actually on the UK Red List. They’re considered species of conservation concern in the UK because there’s evidence suggesting that their populations are in decline overall.”