A man allegedly “brutally and repeatedly” punched a seagull at a Cornwall harbour after it tried to steal his food, leaving it with broken wings in front of horrified children
A man has been accused of grabbing and punching a seagull “in front of children” in a “brutal” assault in the seaside town of Porthleven, Cornwall.
Devon and Cornwall Police have reported that the incident took place by the harbour on Monday afternoon (July 13).
A witness on social media claimed that a man attacked a seagull at the Harbour View Café after it attempted to snatch his food. He is then alleged to have “stuffed it through a fence”, leaving the bird with broken wings.
The witness stated: “This man brutally and repeatedly smashed a seagull against the wall of the Harbour View Café because it tried to steal some food.
“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 probing the incident and are calling for anyone with relevant footage or information to step forward, reports Cornwall Live.
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.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.