STRONG WARNING: Footage contains imagery viewers may find disturbing

THIS sickening footage appears to show a builder biting the head off - a live PIGEON.

The shocking film shows the man then spitting it out on the ground as the dead bird continues to flap its wings.

The film has been released by the RSPCA in a bid to trace the culprit, a bald man who speaks with a Northern English accent.

After knocking the pigeon down from the ceiling of a building, the workman bites the birds head off and spits it on the ground before tossing the carcass to the floor.

He then picks it up and poses with it before spitting out feathers and wagging his tongue at the camera.

Laughter can be heard in the background and another man appears briefly in the video, which appears to be filmed on a building site.

The animal welfare charity was sent the video after it appeared on social media and is urgent trying to trace the man.

The footage is thought to have links to Wales or the North of England.

Dermot Murphy, assistant director of the RSPCA inspectorate, said: "This is a deeply shocking, disturbing and distressing video, appearing to show a man biting the head off a live pigeon.

"If what this video seems to show is accurate, the pain and suffering caused to the pigeon is likely to have been unimaginable.

“Biting the head off a pigeon is likely to constitute an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

"We're very eager for information identifying the individual involved, or providing related background, to be brought to our attention as a matter of urgency.

“It has been suggested to us that the incident may have links to either the North of England, or Wales. However, we are eager for any information which could assist with our enquiries on this serious matter.

"Our inspectorate appeal line can be reached on 0300 123 8018.”