This is the sickening moment a dead seagull was held up by its wings "like a trophy" - after the bird was allegedly killed using a catapult."

The incident - which took place in Ashford, Kent last Saturday (February 22) - is the latest in a spate of attacks on wildlife in the county.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the attack but has since been bailed.

Local resident Jodine Mills, 37, witnessed the incident. She said three birds were attacked at around 3pm outside Christ Church.

The mum-of-two confronted a group, and can be heard saying in the video: "This is what your kids are doing to wildlife." "

She later said: "They just tortured and killed those birds for no reason other than their own enjoyment and pleasure. That's psychotic behaviour."

"It's disgusting. It looked like he was showing it off like a trophy, which just shows how sad and pathetic a person must be."

"How little must your life hold that you get enjoyment from hurting animals?"

Although is not illegal to possess a catapult in public in England, an arrest is possible if it is clear one has been used to cause damage or harm - or if police believe there is intent to do so.

Ms Mills says stronger punishments need to be enforced when it comes to animal cruelty.

She said: "When I went back later I did find one juvenile (gull) alive which they had shot, but it couldn't be saved either because it was hit in the head and suffered a skull fracture. "

"They also twisted its wings so badly it was just hanging on by a little bit of skin."

"I also found one of the gulls had been thrown up into a tree while the other gull just had feathers left everywhere."

"I don't know what they had done with that carcass."

She added: "I'm just horrified and angry and so overwhelmingly sad for those poor animals and gobsmacked by how utterly cruel this is."

"People like this are dangerous and need to be taken off the streets as it makes me feel sick."

Kent Police confirmed one teenager was arrested in connection with the attack and a separate incident two days earlier.

A spokesperson said: "On the afternoon of Saturday, February 22, Kent Police was made aware of a report that a group of teenagers had been seen with a catapult in the Beaver Road area of Ashford, potentially firing objects at wildlife."

"Community policing officers responded and worked to quickly identify those believed to be responsible and locate them."

"A 16-year-old was later arrested in connection with the incident and a separate assault in which a catapult was reported used on Thursday, February 20."

"The boy was released on bail while inquiries continue."