Vandals chop down two oak trees

One of the Teignbridge trees damaged in the attack

Vandals have chopped down two oak trees and damaged a cherry tree in a Devon park.

The oak trees, one of which was 40 years old, were to be part of the next generation of trees in Courtenay Park, Newton Abbot.

A cherry tree had several limbs damaged in the attack between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

A member of park owners Teignbridge Council has offered a £100 reward to anyone who can identify the offenders.

Councillor Gordon Hook said: "Crimes against the environment can't be tolerated, and we're keen to see the people responsible held accountable for their actions.

We do our best to provide good quality open spaces for local people to enjoy Councillor Marie Jenkins

"I'm happy to personally put £100 of my own money up for any information which leads to a successful prosecution.

"Teignbridge prides itself on its clean, green environment, and we'd like to send a clear message to those responsible that damaging it will have consequences."

Councillor Marie Jenkins said: "It's especially concerning as trees which are decades old can't just be replaced.

"We do our best to provide good quality open spaces for local people to enjoy and it's a shame that one act of vandalism can spoil things which have taken time and effort to develop."