Police have arrested an 18-year-old on suspicion of animal cruelty after a video appeared online appearing to show an individual throwing a cat off a cliff.

Lancashire Police launched an investigation after the force was made aware of the video by social media users.

A spokesman said on Wednesday: “An 18-year-old man from Carnforth arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty has been released under investigation while our enquiries continue.”

The footage, described by some Twitter users as “sick”, shows a man hurling a black and white cat off the ledge of a former quarry in Carnforth into water down below.

The force had said on Tuesday it was reviewing the footage and conducting further enquiries.

It also issued a warning over threats and anti-social behaviour.

“We are aware some people have targeted those shown in the video and their families and subjected them to threats and anti-social behaviour,” it added.

“We would remind people any criminal behaviour will be dealt with robustly.”

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People found guilty of animal cruelty face a maximum prison sentence of five years. In addition, offenders can also receive an unlimited fine.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We would like to thank everyone who reported this.

“Lancashire Police are dealing with this matter and we would strongly encourage people not to share this video further.”

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