Police investigating cutting down of Christmas tree on Ballykelly main street

Police in Ballykelly are investigating an incident involving the unauthorised cutting down of the Christmas tree on the village’s main street.

The tree was cut down sometime between 10pm on 5 December and 6am on 6 December.

Sergeant McKirgan said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area between the hours of 10pm on Monday night and 6am on Tuesday morning and noticed anyone or anything suspicious at the tree or who may have captured mobile or dashcam footage to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 497 06/12/22,

Sinn Fein Councillor Dermot Nicholl said he was saddened to hear about the incident.

“It has caused hurt and pain within the community in Ballykelly; some children going to school were tearful seeing it.

“Additionally the council were left with £900 worth of damage. Thankfully the council replaced it as it was made aware of it.

“The lights were switched on again last night but it's still sad that during a cost of living crisis that people would take it upon themselves to vandalise a Christmas tree,” Cllr Nicholl said.