Special branch police are hunting the mindless yobs who committed this terrible act of shrubbery - snapping 13 trees.

Officers at Medway Police station have condemned the thugs who damaged the newly-planted trees in Shipswrights Avenue, Chatham.

The damage had not been reported to Kent Police, but was spotted by patrols who were in the area.

It's thought the trees were damaged sometime between 7.30pm and 10.30pm on Friday.

Neighbourhood officer PC Rebecca Roch said: "All of the trees were newly planted and have been snapped by someone who has used considerable force.

"Kent Police will not tolerated this kind of mindless vandalism so would urge anyone with information about this damage to come forward.

"We have spoken to a number of residents in the area but would like to hear from anyone who saw people causing the damage."

Anyone with information should contact Kent Police on 01622 690 690 or call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.