Yobs armed with weapons and tools are believed to have repeatedly descended on a beauty spot to destroy trees.

Vandals are said to be arming themselves with knives and saws and scattering tools around Duncan Down, Whitstable, in a bid to wreck vegetation.

Recent evidence of destruction caused to non-native, ten-year-old, ornamental Red Oaks has prompted calls for more thorough policing of England’s largest village green.

Friends of Duncan Down secretary Ashley Clark said: “I am concerned because they stripped the bark off and must have had a bladed instrument.

“It must have been a substantial blade and not a penknife, which is of major concern.

“There are wardens up here, but they have no police powers, so they have to confront individuals.”

It was between Monday and Tuesday when rings of bark around both trees were removed, which could potentially kill them.

Mr Clark, a former city councillor, said it will cost more than £1,000 to replace them.

And he adds volunteers have also discovered tools scattered around the green space over the past few months.

“We have come across saws, spades and hammers, which we’ve confiscated.

“They were found all over in various places.

“They will saw trees and leave the saw behind.

“We had a chestnut tree sawn at the base three months ago, which we’d planted five years ago.”

In another incident, Mr Clark, whose team has reported the incidents to police, says about 20 saplings were ripped out of the ground about three weeks ago.

The force wrote to the volunteer earlier this week stating patrols could be in the pipeline.

A police spokesman told KentOnline: “We received a report that, between Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 April, two trees at Duncan Down, Whitstable, were damaged.

“Community police officers in the town have been made aware of the report and it will be used when considering routes taken by beat officers as part of their work tackling antisocial behaviour.”