A tree planted during a VE Day memorial event has been ripped from its roots and left tossed on the floor.

The olive tree was planted earlier this month at Great Yarmouth's St George's Park as part of commemorations marking the 79th anniversary of the Allies' victory over the Nazis.

During the ceremony, the tree was planted to mark the 50th year since the partition of Cyprus.

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Only a few days after it was planted vandals damaged its protective fencing, ripping it out from the ground.

It happened sometime between May 10 and May 13.

The tree was left on the nearby footpath prompting a police investigation.

Christos Karaolis, president of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK involved with planting the tree, said: "I'd like to thank Great Yarmouth Borough Council for the staunch of our olive tree planting initiative and planting our first tree.

"We were deeply shocked and disappointed to see that the olive tree was vandalised.

Eastern Daily Press: The tree being planted at the VE day memorialThe tree being planted at the VE day memorial (Image: National Federation of Cypriots in the UK)

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"It is even more troubling given that this tree was planted as a symbol of peace and reunification in Cyprus, which has suffered 50 long years of Turkish occupation. 

"We sincerely hope that the police are able to find the individuals responsible and take appropriate action."

Great Yarmouth Police are now appealing for anybody with information or who may have witnessed the vandalism.

Anyone who knows anything about the vandalism should contact Norfolk Police on 101 or via email at daniel.beales@norfolk.police.uk quoting reference 36/33158/24.  

Great Yarmouth Borough Council have been contacted for comment regarding the future of the tree.