Vandals were today being hunted by police after six York trees were destroyed.

The Evening Press's newsdesk was inundated with calls from angry residents today highlighting the wreckage.

It took place on the River Ouse cycle and footpath near the Scarborough Railway Bridge in the Leeman Road area last night.

The ash trees were between five and six years old, and, said a spokesman for City of York Council, had only recently had their protective guards removed.

Courier and nearby resident Chris Hamm said the wreckage was "terrible, a real shame".

He said: "I walk that way regularly with my wife and children, who have watched the trees growing since they were first planted.

"I know they will be very upset by this, especially my seven-year-old son Jacob who checks them every day to see how much they have grown."

John Lowe, of Armsford Drive, uses the cycle path every day.

He said: "I was disgusted, it is just mindless vandalism. Surely someone must have heard something."

Urban forestry student Andy White, who saw the damage on his way to Askham Bryan College, said: "It looks like a lot of effort has been put in to do this much damage."

Sharon Roden, of Leeman Road, said the vandals were "despicable".

"I don't know how people could do such a thing," she said.

And Pat O'Connell, whose home looks out on to the trees, said: "Those trees survived the flooding, but a few mindless idiots have wrecked them."

Kevin Crawford, City of York Council grounds maintenance inspector, said he was "sickened" by the damage.

"It is a real shame and I feel particularly sickened because I authorised the removal of the tree guards. They were still fairly young, but were growing well and would have been there a long time. Replacing them is going to cost at least £900."

A spokesperson for York police said: "This is just wanton vandalism and is totally unfair both to the trees and to the people who enjoy them. What have the trees ever done to anybody?"

The spokesperson said whoever has done this may have bragged about it to their friends.

"If so, then please contact us. This is completely out of order and it is just sad. There is no need for it whatsoever."

You can contact the police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 14:46 Friday, May 25, 2001