Additional Coverage:
- Out-of-control man ‘plucked seagull out the air and punched it to death after it stole his snack’ (irishstar.com)
Seagull Assault in St Ives Sparks Outrage Among Locals and Visitors
A troubling incident unfolded in the picturesque coastal town of St Ives, Cornwall, where a visitor allegedly snatched a seagull from the air and assaulted the bird after it stole his food. The event, which took place on Wednesday, June 10, has prompted an outcry from residents and witnesses alike.
According to reports, the man-accompanied by his wife and child-was enjoying a pasty when a seagull swooped in and grabbed it. Witnesses say he then caught the bird, punched it multiple times, and threw it against a wall. The bird was left severely injured, with a caved-in chest cavity, and reportedly died soon after.
Rosie Reynolds, who witnessed the incident firsthand while working at a boat tour stall, described the scene as shocking. “He grabbed the gull, had its head in his hand, and punched it hard in the chest,” she recalled. “The bird went limp after a few punches, and he threw it to the ground where it lay motionless.”
Reynolds and others confronted the man, warning him that such treatment of wildlife is illegal. However, she said the man responded with hostility, ignoring pleas and insults from bystanders and even his own wife, who appeared shocked by his actions.
The story quickly spread on social media, with locals sharing photos of the man identified online as Jonathan “Jonny” Roberts from Bradford, Yorkshire. Eyewitnesses expressed their distress, including one who noted that children witnessed the attack, leaving a two-year-old visibly upset.
A nearby takeaway owner, who served the man shortly before the incident, described him as rude and impatient, remarking on the tense atmosphere prior to the assault. Meanwhile, another witness, Pauly Ford, posted on Facebook about the event, highlighting the severity of the bird’s injuries and questioning what actions could be taken against the man.
Devon and Cornwall Police have appealed for any witnesses or anyone with CCTV footage to come forward to aid their investigation. A spokesperson noted that although the incident has been widely discussed online, the police have not yet received a direct report from anyone present at the scene. While the individual has been identified on social media, authorities have not confirmed his identity nor made any arrests at this stage.
This distressing incident has ignited a broader conversation about the treatment of wildlife in popular tourist areas, with locals hoping for a thorough investigation and appropriate action to prevent such cruelty in the future.