Tree vandalism in Hampden View estate prompts investigation

An immature beech tree was sawn down at Lord Nelson Drive play park in Hampden View, Costessey.

It also had its branches hacked off and was dragged across the park to the side close to Culloden Avenue.

The young beech tree was found cut down with its branches missing (Image: Facebook)

Dubbed Norwich’s Sycamore Gap, the cutting down of the tree has caused upset among neighbours who say that it was regularly used by local children playing in the park.

Sarah Bee who lives nearby said: "Someone deliberately went out with a saw - seriously?

"What the hell is wrong with people?"

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Greenbelt, a group which manages open spaces in new housing developments, said it had not cut the tree down because an audit carried out in February found it posed "no danger".

It has since launched an investigation and pleaded for witnesses to come forward.

But the lack of information has led to speculation in the community.

A handsaw was believed to be used in the vandalism instead of a chainsaw (Image: Facebook)

The tree was frequently used as a goalpost by kids to play football and some have suggested a disgruntled homeowner could be the culprit.

"I don't think it was a child that did this," Sarah Lou Strefford said.

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"There have been some issues with balls going over the fence when the children are playing and the tree has been cut down to stop this I imagine.

"I have my suspicions."

Only a stump remains (Image: Facebook)

Daniel Saupe added: "I had a look and it definitely wasn't kids this time as they wouldn't have been able to drag the tree so far or had the knowledge to trim branches first.

"No chainsaw was used as no chippings from the blade were present, only small dust indicating a handsaw.

"This is either someone after some free firewood or a disgruntled resident trying to stop the kids playing football."

TREE FELLING CRIMES  

The Sycamore Gap tree, or Robin Hood tree, was a sycamore that stood in a glacial valley next to Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, England. 

It was one of the country's most photographed trees and more than a hundred years old before it was cut down in an act of vandalism this time last year. 

The felling of the tree led to an outpouring of sadness, with two men later arrested and charged with criminal damage. 

In the UK, cutting down trees that are protected, grow in a conservation area or are on land that you don't own is an offence.

If done, the offender can be fined, prosecuted for felling without a licence and even summoned to the Crown Court. 

Fines can reach up to £20,000.