A pink blossomed cherry tree in Canterbury city centre provides a welcome splash of spring time colour.

But it is looking a sorry sight this morning after suffering damage which includes a snapped branch.

The tree, near public toilets in St Peter's Place, is admired by passers-by including Masao Hatae who lives in nearby Tannery Square.

He took the photos - before and after - and says the sight of it was enough to make him cry.

Mr Hatae, a business planner for an ink manufacturer, said: "I'd previously photographed the tree because it's so pretty and reminded me of Japanese cherry blossom.

"I was told by someone else that it must have happened around 5pm yesterday.

"But I'm not sure how. It seems too far back from the road to have been hit by a lorry or could it have been vandalised? I simply feel like crying."

A city council spokesman said: "Now our experts are aware of the situation, they will work with our contractors to look after the tree and tidy up the area as quickly as possible."

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