Pictured: Man, 26, 'used seagull as weapon in cafe attack'

A man accused of beating someone up with an injured seagull has appeared in court for the first time.

Paul Elcombe, 26, was arrested following an incident at a cafe in Plymouth, Devon, on May 12 this year.

He is alleged to have picked up an injured seagull and thrown it at the other man's head, before beating him with a belt.

Elcombe made a one-fingered gesture as he was pictured outside Plymouth Magistrates Court on Thursday.

He was arrested by police after the incident and taken to Charles Cross police station where he was questioned.

CCTV footage from Goodbody's cafe was seized and viewed by investigators. He was later released under investigation.

Elcombe appeared in court facing a count of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and one count of attempting to injure a wild bird.

He did not enter a plea and was given bail, but was told he must continue to reside at his home address and have no contact with the alleged victim.