A SICKENING video has emerged of a man swinging a seagull around until its head falls off in Kidderminster town centre.

The footage, sent in an anonymous letter to The Shuttle, shows the man rummaging around in a bush before picking up the bird, which police believe was already dead, and swinging it around until its head comes apart from its body.

While holding the seagull's severed head, the man approaches the camera and opens its beak, all while someone behind the camera laughs hysterically.

The video appears to be part of a Snapchat story, which also records someone swearing at a police car parked at the Bull Ring in Kidderminster.

It was reportedly taken on Tuesday, July 2.

The footage has been passed on to the RSPCA, which has asked anyone with information to get in touch.

An RSPCA spokesman said: “This is a very distressing video. We would appeal for anyone with information about this to contact us on 0300 123 8018.”

Chief Inspector Gerry Smith, of West Mercia Police, said: "We have looked into the video involving a seagull that has understandably upset members of the community.

“We have consulted with the RSPCA and although the video is very distressing and upsetting to view, it has been determined that the seagull was already dead, and will not be investigated further.

“Officers will be speaking with the man that was in the video and give him words of advice.”