Shotton Colliery Christmas Tree Felled in Shocking Act of Vandalism

Community Outrage as Christmas Tree Cut Down Hours After Lights Switch-On

A Christmas tree that had stood in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, for more than a decade was chopped down between 10pm and 11pm on Wednesday, just hours after a festive lights switch-on ceremony attended by up to 100 villagers. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and drawn comparisons to the felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree.

A Tree with Deep Historical Significance

The tree had stood in Shotton Colliery for more than a decade and was planted in memory of those who died in World War One. The tree had been put up as a monument to the fallen soldiers of World War One, commemorating the 152 men from the village who lost their lives. St Saviour’s, the village’s Anglican church, said the tree was cut down using a chainsaw, and crime scene investigators have been gathering evidence after the tree was deliberately cut down.

Police Investigation Underway

PC David Allan from Peterlee Neighbourhood Police Team described it as “a disgusting act of mindless vandalism, which has caused huge upset throughout the village”. Durham Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with CCTV or doorbell footage to come forward.

Community Rallies to Restore Festive Spirit

Shotton Residents Association chairman Steve Maitland said members of the public were making a sleeve for the tree’s base so they could bolt it back up as quickly as possible. The next steps would be to set up a fundraising campaign to plant a new tree and “start again”. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community landmarks and the devastating impact of senseless vandalism, particularly during the festive season when communities come together.