Shock as County Durham village Christmas Tree hacked down
The incident happened on Wednesday night in Shotton Colliery
A Christmas tree in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, was cut down just hours after its festive lights were switched on.
The tree, which had been part of the village for over a decade, was felled between 10pm and 11pm on Wednesday.
Durham Police has described the act as deliberate vandalism and officials have urged anyone with information to contact them.
Pc David Allan from Peterlee Neighbourhood Police Team said the incident has caused significant upset within the community.
"This was a disgusting act of mindless vandalism, which has caused huge upset throughout the village at a time when our community should be coming together," Pc Allan said.
"We are treating this incident extremely seriously, and we will deal with anyone responsible as robustly as the law allows. This behaviour has no place in our community. Someone knows something - please help us find who is responsible."
Police are asking anyone who may have information, CCTV, or footage from doorbell cameras to email Pc Allan at [email protected] , quoting crime reference number CRI00653425.