Horror moment man bludgeons baby seagull's head against bin as manhunt launched

A man picked up a baby seagull and bludgeoned it to death against a bin. He then reportedly threw the animal inside the bin before it was retrieved by staff from a nearby shop.

The RSPCA was sent footage of the incident which took place on Whitechapel, Liverpool city centre, at around 8.20pm on Tuesday, July 1. They have now released pictures of a man who they believe has important information on what happened.

As reported by the Liverpool Echo, the man is described as having a grey-beard, believed to be in his sixties and was wearing glasses, a dark coat and a t-shirt with distinctive logo. He is believed to have been holding a bottle in his right hand.

RSPCA inspector Louise Showering said: "We've received upsetting footage of a juvenile gull, who was unable to fly, allegedly being picked up from the pavement and hit with some force against a bin in Liverpool.

"The bird was later retrieved from inside but had sadly died. We're very keen to establish what happened and we'd like to speak to this man as we believe he may have important information which will help with our enquiries.

"We hope this individual now comes forward or can be identified." Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the RSPCA's Inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018 quoting reference number 01566475.

It is illegal under UK law to intentially kill or injure wild birds. The RSPCA is yet to confirm what species the young gull was.

It comes after a baby seagull died after allegedly being kicked by humans in Lanashire last month. The animal fatally sustained injuries that were associated with blunt force trauma.

He was rushed to a local wildlife centre where he was given fluids to sustain. However, the baby seagull passed away.

Some experts and rescue volunteers are urging authorities and the public to be empathetic towards the animals, especially during fledgling season when younger seagulls are most vulnerable.