Police in County Durham have issued a public appeal to identify a man they wish to speak to following the deliberate felling of a village Christmas tree that also served as a poignant war memorial.
CCTV image released in connection with 'disgusting act'
Durham Constabulary has released a CCTV image of a man seen in the area around the time the beloved tree in Shotton Colliery was cut down. The force described the incident as "a disgusting act of mindless vandalism" that occurred between 10pm and 11pm on Sunday, December 10. The man in the image is seen wearing a black hoodie and carrying a distinctive white sling bag.
The attack happened just hours after the community's Christmas lights had been officially switched on, plunging the village into dismay. A tree surgeon who examined the damage confirmed the spruce had been cut down with a chainsaw.
A tree with deep significance for the community
The tree was far more than festive decoration; it was a living memorial. It had stood in the village for over a decade, planted with funds raised by residents to commemorate the men and women of Shotton Colliery who served and died in the First World War.
A plaque nearby reads: 'This tree is to commemorate the men and women of Shotton Colliery who served in the First World War and gave their lives for the freedom we have today.'
Stephen Maitland, chairman of the Shotton Colliery residents' association, expressed the collective grief: "I was absolutely devastated when the tree was chopped down. It meant so much to so many people."
Court appearances and a community's resilient response
One man, Dylan James McNamara, 26, of Bruce Glazier Terrace, has already appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court. He pleaded not guilty to a single charge of criminal damage to the tree memorial on Saturday, December 13. He was granted bail and is scheduled to stand trial in May 2026.
A second suspect, aged 23, has been released under investigation as enquiries continue. Meanwhile, the community has rallied. The felled tree has been temporarily bolted back upright with turf wrapped around its trunk.
A crowdfunding campaign to replace the imported tree has already raised £2,680. Mr Maitland added, "The support that's been offered has changed my mind... I am over the moon there's been an arrest."
St Saviour's Church, in a Facebook post, condemned the act and called for those responsible to be "caught and punished by the authorities." PC David Allan of the Peterlee Neighbourhood Police Team urged anyone with information to come forward, stating: "This behaviour has no place in our community."
Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact PC 9778 David Allan via email at david.allan2@durham.police.uk, quoting crime reference number CRI00653425.
