Devon and Cornwall Police are investigating an incident in which a man allegedly grabbed and punched a seagull in front of traumatised children at a seaside town, leaving the bird with broken wings. The attack occurred by the harbour in Porthleven, Cornwall, on Monday afternoon, July 13, 2026.
Witness account details brutal attack
An onlooker reported on social media that the man attacked the seagull at the Harbour View Café after the bird attempted to steal his food. The witness claimed the man then "stuffed it through a fence" onto the road, where it was left floundering with two broken wings. The incident was witnessed by numerous people, including children who were "hugely upset."
"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 wrote. "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 appeal for footage and information
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."
Legal protection for seagulls
Seagulls, like all wild birds, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The RSPCA states that it is illegal to intentionally kill, take, or injure gulls, take or destroy their eggs, or damage or destroy any gull nests while they are in use or being built, unless acting under licence. Some species, such as herring gulls and kittiwakes, are on the UK Red List and considered species of conservation concern due to evidence of population decline.
