A shocking video has emerged of a cat being thrown off a cliff but police say they are confident that no crime has been committed.

The video, a screen recording of a video message from the Snapchat app, was shared on social media on Tuesday, July 11.

In the clip, a boy is shown holding the black and white cat in one arm, before throwing it off the cliff and into the water.

The person recording films the cat falling through the air and hitting the water before the video ends.

It is believed to have taken place in the Morecambe or Carnforth area of the county.

Police have now said they do not believe a crime has been committed and think the cat was already dead at the time of the incident.

Officers also say people have been targeted and threatened on social media in cases of mistaken identity, adding that any criminal behaviour will be “dealt with robustly”.

A police spokesperson said: “Earlier this evening we posted about a video we had been made aware of on social media which appeared to show a cat being thrown from a cliff into water and we wanted to give you an update.

“After viewing the footage, we believe this happened some time ago and that the cat was already dead at the time of the incident and while distasteful and obviously upsetting to view we are satisfied no criminal offence has been committed.

“The video has clearly attracted widespread attention and while we recognise it has caused distress and anger to many, we are also aware that some people have been targeting those shown in the video and their families and subjecting them to threats and anti-social behaviour.

“We are also aware that other people have been contacted and threatened in cases of mistaken identity. This is completely unacceptable and must stop. Any criminal behaviour we are made aware of will be dealt with robustly.”