The RSPCA is today attempting to identify a man who was seen kicking a dog in the head and chest as he walked it in Lytham St. Anne’s. The man was dressed in dark trousers, a grey hoodie and a black hat. He was spotted beating the dog as he walked with a woman pushing a child in a pushchair.

A concerned member of the public phoned the charity after spotting the incident on Saturday 6th March between 5.15 pm and 5.35 pm. During that time, the dog was kicked around seven times, causing him to stumble and cower in fear.

RSPCA inspector Amy McIntosh, who is now investigating, said: ‘A passer-by spotted the first incident and then recorded the incident on their phone. They followed the couple as they walked along the footpath from Dicconson Terrace car park to the Queen’s Hotel and on to St John the Divine Church.  The witness also saw the couple’s car – a black BMW – so we’re also following up on this.

I want to speak to the couple pictured in the still from the mobile phone recording to find out more about what happened, or would be interested in hearing from anyone who may recognise the couple in the image.’

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.