Vandals attack Jubilee tree honouring HM The Queen at Dudley park

First the beech tree was chopped down and the branches dumped in a park bin.

Now the a plaque fitted to the remaining stump in Netherton Park has been destroyed.

Geoff Johnson, chairman of the Friends of Netherton Park, which is dedicated to preserving the park, said he was 'disgusted' by the latest attack, which took place on New Year's Day - a week after tree had been cut down.

"I fixed the plaque to the stump in defiance but it has been completely destroyed," he said.

"The top has been ripped off. The plaque was attached to the stump with four or five bands of insulation tape so a great deal of effort has gone in to wreaking it.

"It's mindless vandalism. We cannot understand it.

"We can see no reason for it - we're not aware of any vendetta against the park.

"From the plaque, it would have been clear that the tree had been planted for the Queen but whoever is responsible just doesn't seem to care," added Mr Johnson.

The inscription on the plaque said 'planted by the Friends of Netherton Park to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty'.

The first vandalism attack took place on Christmas Day - the day the Queen addressed the nation with a message about the importance of reconciliation.

Mr Johnson said a 'sharp implement' had been used to chop down the tree and it was believed the attack had been premeditated because the tool was taken along to carry out the work.

The Jubilee tree, which cost £250, had been planted in 2012 along with an Olympic tree to commemorate the London Games and both had been targeted by vandals in the past but not as badly.

The Friends group has not yet decided whether the tree will be replaced to concerns about possible repeat attacks in the future.