Police hunt vandals after nearly 200 trees and shrubs destroyed

Police in Australia are hunting for vandals who have destroyed nearly 200 trees and shrubs, including some "very rare" species.

The plants were either ripped out of the ground or snapped or cut at the base with a hand saw, according to Glen Eira City Council, a suburb in the southeast of Melbourne.

The council said in a statement it was "extremely disappointed and disgusted at the deliberate acts of vandalism" at eight parks and reserves.

It added that police in the state of Victoria are investigating.

"Some of these trees are very rare and may not be able to be replaced, including the Red Gums at Boyd Park which were grown from seeds," the council said.

Local residents described the destruction as "senseless", "devastating" and "heartbreaking" via the council's Facebook page.

One person added: "So bewildering as to why people would do this!"

Some also reacted to the news by offering to volunteer to help plant replacements.

The council said the vandalism would cost taxpayers thousands of Australian dollars.

It said: "Each tree is valued at around $700 (£354) cost to purchase, plant and establish with a combined cost of $80,000 (£40,520).

"Further costs for repair and replanting of the locations result in the total cost of this vandalism to nearly $200,000 (£101,300)."

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Officials pointed out the maximum sentence for criminal damage is 10 years in jail or a fine of up to $218,000 (£110,417).

The council has appealed for anyone with information about the vandalism, between 25 and 27 October, to contact the police.