A community Christmas tree was destroyed by “sick-minded” vandals last night.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Vandals have chopped down the community Christmas tree in South Mimms. Picture: Danny LooVandals have chopped down the community Christmas tree in South Mimms. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

Police were called after vandals cut down the Christmas tree next to the South Mimms war memorial sometime during the night.

Local residents Mick Harverson, Barry Stallan and Gordon Cameron, volunteered over three hours of their time to put the tree up and make it look beautiful.

Mick told the Welwyn Hatfield Times: “Someone overnight has come along and cut the ropes that hold the tree upright.

“Some of the ropes have also been untied which has caused the tree to fall.”

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Vandals have chopped down the community Christmas tree in South Mimms. Picture: Danny LooVandals have chopped down the community Christmas tree in South Mimms. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

The fairy lights around the tree and some of the decorations, including the star on the top, have also been broken.

Mick added: “I am currently out and about to buy some new decorations and lights because whoever did this will not win.

“What is this country coming to?

“This is such a disrespectful act of vandalism.”

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Vandals have chopped down the community Christmas tree in South Mimms. Picture: Danny LooVandals have chopped down the community Christmas tree in South Mimms. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

The South Mimms Parish Council funded the tree which cost around £400, including the cost of the lights.

Councillor Martin Worster said: “It is appalling and sick-minded that anyone could do this to something so harmless that isn’t hurting anybody.

“The parish council pride themselves and put a lot of work into that Christmas tree so it is beyond disrespectful of somebody to do this.

“It’s a community tree for the residents and the children love it. It’s just sickening.”

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Vandals have chopped down the community Christmas tree in South Mimms. Picture: Danny LooVandals have chopped down the community Christmas tree in South Mimms. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Potters Bar councillor Martin Worster next to the South Mimms Christmas tree which vandals have chopped down. Picture: Danny LooPotters Bar councillor Martin Worster next to the South Mimms Christmas tree which vandals have chopped down. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Potters Bar councillor Martin Worster next to the South Mimms Christmas tree which vandals have chopped down. Picture: Danny LooPotters Bar councillor Martin Worster next to the South Mimms Christmas tree which vandals have chopped down. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Vandals have chopped down the community Christmas tree in South Mimms. Picture: Danny LooVandals have chopped down the community Christmas tree in South Mimms. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)