Horror as man kills seagull with his bare hands outside takeaway

A man has been arrested on suspicion of an animal cruelty offence after a seagull was killed outside a takeaway having reportedly eaten one of a man's chips.

Police were called to Ako Kebabs and Waterhouse bar in Scarborough in the early hours of Saturday 13 August following reports that a man had killed a bird while it was on the pavement.

The man was then confronted by a group of people following the bizarre killing.

Witnesses to the incident and anyone with any information regarding what happened are now being sought by North Yorkshire Police.

Police say that CCTV shows the man with a group of people, before another group confront him after the incident.

Police are seeking information after a seagull was killed in the seaside town of Scarborough (Getty Images/EyeEm)

Yorkshire Live reported a spokesperson for the force as saying: "The incident happened outside Ako Kebabs and Waterhouse bar on St. Thomas Street in Scarborough, at 2:22am.

"A man allegedly killed a seagull which was on the pavement. Officers attended the location and arrested one man on suspicion of an animal cruelty offence.

"CCTV shows that the man was with a group of people. Additionally, a group of people seemed to confront the man afterwards.

“Officers are now appealing for this group to come forward.

"Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should email Lee.Holmes@northyorkshire.police.uk.

“You can also call us on 101, select option 2, and ask for Lee Holmes. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Animal cruelty now carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison (Getty Images/500px)

"Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12220143309 when passing information."

Last year tougher prison sentences for animal cruelty came into force after the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill was passed.

The maximum sentence was increased from six months to five years, while offenders can also receive an unlimited fine.

A Government statement at the time said: “The more stringent sentences will be some of the toughest in Europe.

“The Act will help ensure courts are able to enforce extended penalties for those who cruelly mistreat any animal, sending a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated.

“A public consultation in 2017 received over 9,000 responses and showed strong public support for proposals on tougher sentences.

“The measure is also widely supported by animal welfare groups including the RSPCA and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.”