Late on Dec. 10, vandals used a chainsaw to fell a Christmas tree in Shotton Colliery shortly after its lights were switched on. The tree, planted more than a decade ago, served as a memorial to soldiers who died in World War I and holds deep local significance. Police described the act as "mindless vandalism," are treating the case seriously and have asked for witnesses or footage. Residents are organising repairs, a protective sleeve and a new fundraiser to restore the memorial.
Chainsaw Vandals Fell WWI Memorial Christmas Tree After Village Light Switch-On in Shotton Colliery
Google Maps; Peterlee Police FacebookShotton Colliery's Christmas tree
Shotton Colliery, County Durham — A large Christmas tree that had stood for more than a decade as a World War I memorial was deliberately cut down late on Wednesday, Dec. 10, leaving the tight-knit village stunned and angry.
Durham Police say the incident occurred between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., only hours after dozens of residents gathered for the tree's festive light switch-on. Local officers described the attack as deliberate and deeply upsetting for the community.
Community Shocked By 'Mindless Vandalism'
Police Constable David Allan of the Peterlee Neighbourhood Police Team called the act “a disgusting act of mindless vandalism” that has caused “huge upset throughout the village.” In a public appeal he said:
“We are treating this incident extremely seriously, and we will deal with anyone responsible as robustly as the law allows. This behavior has no place in our community. Someone knows something — please help us find who is responsible.”
Residents Rally To Restore Memorial
Steve Maitland, chairman of the Shotton Residents Association, told BBC Radio Tees that volunteers are already working to restore the memorial. Residents plan to fit a protective sleeve and re-erect the tree as soon as possible, and they are preparing a new fundraiser to cover replacement and repair costs.
Peterlee Police FacebookShotton Colliery's fallen Christmas tree
“These people who did this — I don't think they understand the history and the feeling of these things,” Maitland said, noting that some original fundraisers who helped plant the memorial more than 10 years ago have since died. “We've just got to push on and try and get it sorted.”
Evidence And Appeal
St Saviour's Church, which hosted the light switch-on and posted photos of the damage online, said a tree surgeon inspected the remaining stump and concluded the tree had been felled with a chainsaw. The church urged authorities to find and prosecute those responsible.
Durham Police have appealed for witnesses and asked anyone with dash-cam or phone footage of the area between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Dec. 10 to come forward. The force has not provided further comment to media outlets at this time.
This attack has prompted widespread anger in Shotton Colliery, where residents say the memorial played an important role in community remembrance and seasonal celebration. Locals are determined to restore the site and preserve the memory the tree represented.
