No arrests have been declared, and police have not released a description of the suspect

Police are appealing for witnesses after a seagull was allegedly attacked by a man at a popular harbour-side café in Cornwall, said to have unfolded in front of horrified families and children.

The alleged attack took place on Monday at the Harbour View Café in Porthleven.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed officers are investigating the incident and are asking anyone with information or CCTV footage to come forward.

According to witnesses, the confrontation began after the seagull attempted to steal food from the man.

It is said the man then grabbed the bird and violently attacked it, leaving it seriously injured.

One witness, writing on social media, described the incident as "brutal" and said it was witnessed by members of the public, including children.

"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.

They further alleged the man then forced the injured bird through a fence onto the road below, where it was left unable to fly after suffering a beating.

"He then stuffed the seagull through the fence onto the road, where it floundered with two broken wings," the post continued.

"This was in front of numerous people and children who were hugely upset."

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed officers received a report relating to the incident and added enquiries are ongoing.

A spokesman for the force 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.

Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have captured it on mobile phones, dashcams or nearby CCTV systems, to contact police.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, or report details via the Devon and Cornwall Police website, quoting reference 50260183379.

No arrests have been declared, and police have not released a description of the suspect.

The condition of the injured seagull has also not been confirmed.