Vandals have destroyed 300 newly-planted trees in a York park.
Police described the destruction as “stupid” and have put out an appeal for the public’s help to catch the perpetrators.
It happened on Tuesday, 25 March between 5pm and 8am the following day, close to the Tang Hall Lane entrance.
Andrew Mortimer, the chair of the recently launched Friends Of Hull Road Park, told YorkMix that the council had just finished planting the saplings, which were about 2ft high.
He said: “It’s obviously disappointing that people go in and feel that they need to vandalise things like this.
“I just don’t understand why people want to go around and damage things that have been in literally a matter of days.”
It comes less than two months after vandals ripped up parts of the allotments and destroyed raised flower beds at the park.
“All public spaces are prone to this,” Andrew said. “So it’s not unique to Hull Road Park at all, but obviously we’re trying to encourage the community to take ownership of the park and treat it as the asset it is really for this part of York.”
Mr Mortimer said the Friends group was more determined than ever to sort out issues at the park.
They are having a meeting on Monday night and are organising a family fun event in the park later this month.
If you can help police in their hunt for the vandals, you can contact them on the numbers below.
How to help the police
- Call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for NAME_HERE
- Email Stephen Mangham
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the website
- Quote reference number 12250053410