By Two thugs caught on CCTV vandalising St. James’ Square trees
CCTV footage of two people vandalising the newly-planted cherry trees in St. James’ Square has emerged, North East Lincolnshire Council confirmed.
Captured just before 2:00am this morning, the footage shows the pair attacking one of the trees – one of several that were almost snapped in half during the incident.
Both people appear to be wearing scarves over their faces and have their hoods up.
One is wearing a ‘distinctive burgundy jacket’.
The trees have recently been planted as the new St. James’ Square was unveiled to the public.
Now, they will have to be removed and replaced in the autumn when conditions are ‘more suitable’.
Cllr Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for Environment and Transport, said: “If you have any information about who callously destroyed these newly planted cherry trees, please contact the police using the non-emergency number 101 and quote the crime reference 16/66423/21.
“We will not tolerate this anti-social behaviour and we will do everything we can to bring these thugs to justice.
“CCTV footage of the incident has been passed to Humberside Police. It shows two people attacking one of the trees at 1.48am.
“Both culprits are wearing scarves over their faces and have their hoods up. They are later seen walking along Victoria Street and across the bus station area. One is wearing a distinctive burgundy jacket.
“The damage was discovered by our staff at 6am this morning.
“Lots of people are enjoying the newly rejuvenated St James’ Square so it’s upsetting for everyone to see this mindless vandalism.
“In the meantime, we will remove the damaged trees and look at options for replacing them in the autumn when the conditions are more suitable.”
Humberside Police were contacted to obtain images from the CCTV footage, but are currently unable to release the images to the public while they investigate the incident.
