Police are investigating a "distressing incident" after a man reportedly attacked a seagull with a cricket bat.

The incident occured on Marine Parade, near to Poco Pizza, in Lyme Regis at around 3.50pm on Sunday, July 17.

A man is said to have swung at the seagull with a cricket bat - leading to a broken wing.

Officers investigating the incident are now appealing for information.

The man is described as white, aged in his 50s and around five feet ten inches tall. He is believed to have spoken in a South African accent and was wearing a grey ‘Jim Beam’ T-shirt and a grey hat.

Police Constable Josh Hurwood, of West Dorset police, said: “This was a distressing incident for people to have witnessed, with many young families in the area at the time and we are carrying out an investigation, with support from the RSPCA, to identify the man involved.

“This occurred on the seafront at a busy time of day, and we are appealing for anyone who saw what happened, or who has any information relating to the man’s identity, to please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220115158.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.