Trees in Glasgow park SNAPPED in half in 'bizarre' act

An avenue of 13 trees near the Palace of Art in the city’s Bellahouston Park was targeted on Monday afternoon. 

It is understood that the trees are Prunus Kanzan, a type of cherry tree, and they were planted by Scottish Water after they undertook restoration works in the park last year.

Reports of the vandalism began to circulate on social media on Monday evening, and devastating images taken on Wednesday afternoon show the row of trees brutally snapped in identical places.

Glasgow City Council has confirmed that they have been made aware of the incident, which was captured on CCTV, and have condemned the 'staggering' behaviour.

Stephen Egan, 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.

“To vandalise a single tree is bad enough but to destroy an avenue of thirteen trees one after the other is staggering.

“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."

The incident has since been reported to the police and a full investigation has been launched.

It is understood that the damaged trees will be removed and replanted next year, incurring a four-figure sum to repair them. 

Mr Egan added: “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 vandalism has also been slammed by the local group Friends of Bellahouston Park, who found the ordeal 'upsetting' when they were informed. 

Group chair Sheila Yuill told the Glasgow Times: "To be contacted on Monday by a park user letting us know about the damage was very upsetting.

"There is CCTV in this area of the park so we hope that the culprits will be identified by the police.

"The local community are clearly upset, and annoyed and would like to know why people think it is okay to damage the park."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 3.20pm on Monday, October 24, officers were made aware of an incident of vandalism in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow involving a number of blossom trees.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”