Over 100 seals 'stampede' into the sea after bag for life blows across the sand

Shocking video shows a plastic bag blowing across the beach - causing over 100 terrified seals to "stampede" into the sea in danger of being crushed.

In the footage, a bag for life can be seen whirling across Waxham Beach, Norfolk, scaring a large group of marine animals which charge into the ocean.

Animal welfare charity Friends of Horsey Seals has issued an urgent appeal following the incident on 17 July - insisting people to not to leave rubbish on the beach.

The charity shared the heartbreaking footage on their social which read: "Here is a bit of a stark reminder not to leave anything behind on the beach.

"The issue is many of these are heavily pregnant common seals or ones that have just given birth. It is amazing how one shopping bag and a little bit of wind could cause such fear among the seals causing them to stampede into the sea.

"Please don't leave rubbish on the beach and make sure you pick up all your belongings before you leave and take them home.

"We retrieved the bag later and disposed of it safely."

Sally Butler, 58, has been part of the charity's rescue team for three years.

She said: "This video highlights the importance of ensuring people take their rubbish home with them.