POLICE are investigating an act of mindless vandalism that left two newly planted trees snapped in half in Northwich.

Officers are reviewing CCTV and conducting enquiries around Weaver Square in a bid to identify the culprits after the town's new outdoor space was targeted on Saturday.

READ> Mindless vandals snap trees at Northwich outdoor space

Northwich Town Council reported the matter to police on Tuesday, although the damage to the saplings is believed to have been caused overnight on Saturday or possibly into the early hours of Sunday.

Sergeant Andy Cooper, Northwich North Neighbourhood Team, has allocated the local Beat Officer and PCSO for the area to look into the vandalism.

Sergeant Cooper said: "Our town centre in Northwich is a valued asset and both the Town Council and Cheshire West & Chester Council are working hard, along with other partners such as Northwich BID to make the town centre not just a place for shopping, but also a great safe space to relax in.

"The outdoor recreational area where the market used to be is the latest addition to the town centre to provide the public a spot to relax.

"The vandalism to the saplings is totally unacceptable and completely mindless.

"To some, damaging the trees here and around the surrounding areas may cause “amusement” however to the majority it causes distress and disgust in their behaviour.

"This is a facility that should be embraced and enjoyed freely without the need to see damage being caused.

"My officers are currently making numerous enquiries in the area including trawling through CCTV in the area.

Northwich Guardian: Two trees were snapped in half over the weekend.

Two trees were snapped in half over the weekend.

"This incident comes on the back of arrests made a couple of weeks ago whereby local males have been accessing the roof tops of the town centre and causing damage.

"We will take action against anyone identified committing anti-social behaviour and criminality in the local area and offenders will be dealt with accordingly.

"I urge the public to come forward if you have any information about who may have damaged these trees within the town centre, and to do the right thing.

"This is an issue for the whole of Northwich, so I urge you to help out your community and come forward with anything you know."

If you have any information you can report it via 101 or CrimeStoppers, and the crime number for the incident is 21000284906.

Alternatively please email Northwich.LPU@cheshire.pnn.police.uk.