An angler has been slammed for allegedly trying to hook a wild seal at a beauty spot.
The woman fishing with a rod off the rocks was spotted appearing to snare the animal.
It eventually ducked below the surface to evade her attempts.
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Seals are protected in the UK, and it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take one.
But Tristan Northway, skipper of the Four Reasons charter boat, was shocked to see the angler allegedly targeting one at a disused quarry at Berry Head, Brixham, Devon.
And he said it wasn’t the first time.
“She was deliberately trying to hook the seal,” he claimed to Need To Know.
“We have a huge problem with anglers disrespecting the area, which is a nature reserve and area of scientific interest.
“They do it to stop the seals taking the fish off their hooks.
“I’ve seen it many times.”
He alleged: “The woman in the video attempted it three times while I was there.
“I’ve also seen men trying to whack them with their rods, too.
“They collect small stones to throw at the seals.
“I’ve been documenting this for years.
“There is rubbish, litter, human poo.
“The smell of urine is disgusting.”
Locals were furious.
Jan-marie Noble claimed: “What’s wrong with people?”
Karen Breakwell alleged: “There are some horrible people around.”
And Patty Brown claimed: “What is wrong with this ignorant person?”
Last year, the quarry was closed to protect it from anti-social behaviour.
Locals said they have been intimidated by rogue fishing gangs who have left litter strewn across the rocks along with fish guts and human excrement.
Gangs had been landing industrial quantities of mackerel and other fish at the site before selling them.
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