SHOCK and anger were emotions expressed in Stanford-le-Hope after vandals tore up community Christmas Tree lighting.

Just a week after the local community turned out to celebrate the traditional tree lighting and carol service on the Green in Stanford-le-Hope, community leaders were shocked on Sunday (17 December) to find the lighting cable on the tree has been pulled apart and is broken beyond repair.

The tree and lights are provided by Wharf Timber, who have said they will replace the broken lights, which were new this year, with last year's decorations.

The community service when the lights were switched on was organised by the Stanford Blooming Marvels community group, Rev Tom Rout and the congregation at St Margaret's Church and other volunteers.

Lyn Dobinson Swords of the Marvels said: "It's almost beyond belief that someone would wilfully do this.

"One weekend we have the joy of a community coming together and then the next we witness the mindless actions of people who think it's fun to destroy things.

"It would be nice if someone in the community, who must know who they are, came forward and named and shamed them.

"I suspect that's unlikely but though this has left a lot of people angry and disapointed it won't quench the community spirit in our town."

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If anyone knows who caused the vandalism they can be report it confidentially by submitting a report on the Essex Police website where you can use an online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

Or if you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."