Residents feel they have been "stabbed in the heart" after yobs inflicted "£2,000 of damage" to recently planted trees at a park.

It is the latest incident in Dane Park, Margate, after recent reports of a spike in anti-social and criminal behaviour.

Early-risers were shocked to find about half-a-dozen cherry trees had been snapped in half this morning.

The trees were planted this year by hundreds of volunteers led by Colourful Margate and The Isle of Thanet Trees and Woods Initiative.

Councillor Gary Taylor has previously called for more CCTV and police patrols in the "lawless" park after a spate of attacks and other criminal behaviour.

He said he is "appalled and heartbroken" by the recent damage and said it has "really affected" locals who use the park.

"Seeing that this morning on the way to work it is like a stab in the heart to the community," the Dane Valley ward councillor said.

"I’m sure we will bounce back and get some more trees planted.

"They can be replaced but it’s the cost and criminal damage."

He estimated £2,000 worth of damage had been inflicted. But generous locals have already offered to donate money.

The park has been hit by crime in recent months.

A mob of youngsters are said to have videoed an attack on two girls which left the pair with injuries last month.

In another incident in June, the park was cordoned off after reports of a sexual assault.

Meanwhile, a man was attacked by a pair of thugs and his phone destroyed this month.

Cllr Taylor previously said there had been a "multitude" of different crimes - including drug-use, vandalism, arson and fly-tipping - that have built-up over the past six months.

He raised concerns of increased criminal activity and anti-social behaviour at a Thanet District Council meeting earlier this month.

Deputy leader Cllr Helen Whitehead (Lab) expressed her sympathy to all those affected.

"There are many factors that can be considered significant in relation to this spike," she said at the time.

"The community safety team are aware of ongoing incidents and are liaising with Kent Police in order to make sure public areas are safe and welcoming places to be."

Police have launched an investigation after they received reports of criminal damage to the cherry trees.

It was reported the damage was done overnight between yesterday evening and 8.30am this morning.

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area, or has any information regarding the damage, is asked to call police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/130274/20.

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here.

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