Villagers livid as Christmas tree chopped down hours after lights go on | UK | News | EUROtoday

Residents in a UK village have been left livid after a Christmas tree was chopped down simply hours after its lights have been switched on. It has been confirmed that two males have been arrested following an area police attraction.

The tree, which has stood within the village of Shotton Colliery, County Durham, for over 10 years was reduce down between 10pm and 11pm on Wednesday (December 10). Police mentioned two males, aged 26 and 23, have been arrested on suspicion of inflicting prison injury. The drive added officers are “in the process” of charging the 26-year-old whereas the 23-year-old has been launched underneath investigation.

As reported by the BBC, Steve Maitland, chairman of the Shotton Residents Association, mentioned on Friday (December 12) that the tree was put up as a monument to the fallen troopers of World War One. Local residents at the moment are making a sleeve for the bottom of the tree within the hope to get it again up as shortly as attainable for the Christmas interval.

Mr Maitland informed BBC Radio Tees: “These people who did this – I don’t think they understand the history and the feeling of these things.” He described the assault as “mindless vandalism” however added he couldn’t “turn the clock back”.

Durham Police beforehand launched a public attraction for data after the tree was chopped down. They urged witnesses or anybody with related data on what occurred to get in contact.

Peterlee Police, the native neighbourhood group, issued an replace on Facebook on Friday and confirmed that officers are engaged on charging and remanding a 26-year-old in reference to the incident. Meanwhile, a 23-year-old man has been launched underneath investigation.

The drive mentioned: “Thank you to everyone who has shared our appeal. Officers have today arrested two men in connection with the incident.

“The males, aged 23 and 26, have been taken into police custody the place they are going to be interviewed by officers.”

They added: “We are happy to report after an intensive investigation that was ably assisted by the area people we’re within the means of charging and remanding a 26 12 months previous male with Criminal Damage to the tree. He can be positioned earlier than the subsequent accessible court docket.

“A 23 year old male has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.”

Durham Police mentioned in a earlier public attraction: “Anyone with any information that could help the investigation should contact PC 9778 Allan via email at david.allan2@durham.police.uk quoting crime reference number CRI00653425.”