Key Takeaways:
- A Christmas tree in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, was cut down in a "disgusting act of mindless vandalism" just hours after its lights were switched on.
- The tree had stood in the village for over 10 years and was a commemoration to fallen soldiers from World War I.
- Two men, aged 26 and 23, have been arrested in relation to the incident, with the 26-year-old being charged with criminal damage.
- The community is coming together to support each other and to find a solution to replace the tree for Christmas.
- The police are treating the incident seriously and are urging anyone with information or footage to come forward.
Introduction to the Incident
The village of Shotton Colliery in County Durham was left reeling after a Christmas tree that had stood in the village for over 10 years was cut down in a senseless act of vandalism. The tree, which was a commemoration to fallen soldiers from World War I, had its lights switched on just hours before it was felled. The incident occurred between 10pm and 11pm on Wednesday, and the police were quickly notified. The community was shocked and outraged by the incident, with many taking to social media to express their disgust and sadness.
Community Reaction
The reaction from the community has been one of shock and outrage. Steve Maitland, the chair of the Shotton Residents Association, spoke to BBC Radio Tees about the incident, expressing his disappointment and frustration. He stated that the tree had been put up to commemorate fallen soldiers from the first world war and that the people who carried out the vandalism did not understand the history and feeling behind the tree. Maitland also mentioned that some of the people involved in fundraising for the tree a decade ago had since passed away, making the incident even more poignant. The community is coming together to support each other and to find a solution to replace the tree for Christmas.
Police Investigation
The police are taking the incident very seriously and are urging anyone with information or footage to come forward. PC David Allan, from the Peterlee neighbourhood police team, stated that the incident was a "disgusting act of mindless vandalism" and that the police would deal with anyone responsible as robustly as the law allows. The police asked the public for any witnesses to the incident, or anyone who may have CCTV or doorbell footage of anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time, to contact the force. Two men, aged 26 and 23, have been arrested in relation to the incident, with the 26-year-old being charged with criminal damage. The 23-year-old has been released under investigation.
Support from the Community
The community is rallying around each other to support the replacement of the tree. Members of the public are making a sleeve for the tree’s base, so they can bolt it back up as quickly as possible, "just to tide us over for Christmas". Saint Saviour’s, a parish church in the village, posted on Facebook expressing their sadness and disappointment at the incident. The church stated that a tree surgeon had looked at the damage and said it was done with a chainsaw. The community is determined to come together to replace the tree and to show that they will not be deterred by mindless acts of vandalism.
Conclusion
The incident in Shotton Colliery is a sad reminder of the senseless acts of vandalism that can occur in our communities. However, it is also a testament to the strength and resilience of the community, who are coming together to support each other and to find a solution to replace the tree. The police are taking the incident seriously and are urging anyone with information or footage to come forward. The community is determined to show that they will not be deterred by mindless acts of vandalism and will continue to come together to support each other and to celebrate the festive season.
