Police appeal after gull grabbed and punched in Porthleven

Harming a wild bird is a criminal offence in the UK, and that protection covers gulls just as much as any other species. Police in Cornwall are reminding people of that after a gull was grabbed, punched and left injured in Porthleven.

What happened

Devon & Cornwall Police Rural Affairs Team, working alongside Falmouth and Helston Police, is investigating a report that a gull was grabbed and punched, leaving the bird injured. Officers say the incident happened in Porthleven at around 4.10pm on Monday 13 July 2026, and describe it as a further incident in Cornwall involving a gull.

The appeal for witnesses

Anyone who saw what happened and has not yet spoken to police is asked to call 101, quoting crime reference number 50260183379.

Officers also want to hear from residents, businesses and drivers who were in the area at the time. They are asking people to check and hold on to any CCTV, doorbell camera, dashcam or mobile phone footage that might help with the enquiry.

Information can also be passed anonymously through Crimestoppers online or by calling them on 0800 555 111.

Report directly, not on social media

Police have thanked everyone who has already shared information with investigators. They are asking people to avoid speculating online and to report anything they know directly, so it can be assessed as part of the investigation.

Officers add that they are not able to take names, information or photographs off Facebook or other social media as part of the investigation. Anything relevant needs to be reported to them directly.