Residents of a Norfolk town are being encouraged to come forward following criminal damage to a decades-old oak tree.
Dereham Town Council said it was "appealing for witnesses to the destruction of an established tree at the play area on Hillcrest Avenue, in Toftwood.
"The tree has been stripped of bark by an axe or similar tool, and as a result of the damage the tree is likely to die."
Mayor of Dereham Stuart Green said: "This was an established oak tree which was probably only around 20 years old - these trees can live hundreds of years, bringing both pleasure and environmental benefits. This is a real shame."
Minor damage was also inflicted on a second tree in the park.
Norfolk police said: "[We] received a report of two trees being damaged at Pond Park between 8am on April 21 and 8.30am on April 28."
If people have any information, they are asked to contact Norfolk Police using the 101 number, quoting the crime reference 36/28044/21.
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