A row of blossom trees in a city park has been destroyed in a “bizarre act of vandalism”.
The cherry trees were planted this year by Scottish Water as part of restoration work following the installation of new mains pipes through Bellahouston Park in the South Side of Glasgow.
The city council said the young trees were snapped during the day in view of other people in the park.
Police Scotland said the vandalism was being investigated. STV News understands officers are following a positive line of enquiry.
STV NewsStephen Egan, Glasgow City Council’s head of parks and streetscene, said: “Only the culprit can explain what was going through their mind when they committed this bizarre act of vandalism.”
A number of security cameras survey the park and CCTV footage from the scene has been shared with police.
It is understood removing and replacing the damaged trees will cost thousands of pounds.
“To vandalise a single tree is bad enough but to destroy an avenue of thirteen trees one after the other is staggering,” said Mr Egan.
iStock“That this crime was committed in broad daylight in view of other park users is troubling.
“These trees would have created a spectacular display of blossom in spring and any park user will be as shocked as I am about their destruction.
“We have reported this incident to police and also passed CCTV footage from the park to the investigating officers.
“If anyone has any information on who was responsible then we urge them to contact the police as soon as possible.”
The incident was reported to Police Scotland at around 3.20pm on Monday, October 24.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Officers were made aware of an incident of vandalism in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow involving a number of blossom trees.
“Enquiries are ongoing.”
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