A view across Monks Stray, York, showing some of the trees felled by a vandal with a hand saw

Police said today they were investigating the mysterious felling of four large trees in York.

News of the probe comes after furious residents living near Monk Stray contacted the Evening Press when they awoke to find that the 40ft-tall, 25-year-old trees had been cut down.

Dennis Newton, who is a member of the local neighbourhood forum, said the trees appeared to have been cut down with a hand-saw.

"This was environmental vandalism," he said.

David Meigh, of City of York Council's leisure services, said the council had not received any requests to have the trees felled, but said: "Someone has come along and done this very deliberately.

"They have taken the time to find a saw and cut them down.

"Most vandalism to trees we deal with is less premeditated, and we get kids swinging on trees and breaking them, but never anything like this."

Mr Meigh said the trees - three ashes and an alder - were expected to grow back.

A police spokesman confirmed the incident would be investigated.

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