A NEWLY-planted tree and four plants on Richmond Hill in Bournemouth were vandalised overnight.

The tree was found snapped in half on one side of the road and four uprooted plants were discarded on the pavement on the other side of the road.

The tree is a new adornment on Richmond Hill as part of the £384,000 Three Towns Travel scheme to improve the route into the town centre.

The recently completed improvements also include a segregated bicycle lane and stands and new seating.

Ian Kalra, head of transportation services for Bournemouth council, said: “Vandalism of trees is mindless and extremely disappointing, which appears to be what has happened here.

"Trees have a benefit and amenity value for the whole community and unfortunately it is a sad fact of life that a great many of them are deliberately damaged.

"The tree and plants in this case were included as part of the improvements to Richmond Hill to enhance the overall look and feel of the area.”