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Police are hunting an axe-wielding vandal who went on an overnight tree-wrecking spree in one of Birmingham’s most popular parks.

Four cherry trees were felled in Cannon Hill Park.

Dog walker Colin Hall, who stumbled on the splintered remains in the park’s manicured gardens, said some of the trees were “beyond saving”.

The retired teacher, from Moseley, said: “It’s just a mindless act of wanton destruction.

“What’s their motive? It beggars belief.

“I’ve never seen anything so shocking in all my life.

“The culprits either used an axe or machete because these aren’t saplings.

“They’re not small branches some of them are as much as 8ins across.

“It’s a serious piece of work and must have taken considerable effort and time.

“I can only assume it happened in the early hours of the morning or very late at night.

“If you came across somebody wielding an axe or machete it wouldn’t be very pleasant.

“I saw one of the rangers and he was utterly shocked and dismayed.

“They were waiting for the police to come.”

Birmingham City Council said the wrecking spree, which happened last night, had been reported to police.

Cannon Hill Park opened in 1873 and was planned by John Gibson, one of the leading designers of the age.

A council spokeswoman said: “Four cherry trees in Cannon Hill Park were felled with an axe overnight (5/6 May) and this has been reported to police as an act of vandalism.

“Thankfully this sort of thing is rare and most people who come to the park treat it with respect, however if any visitors notice anything they should notify a park ranger.”

The Park Ranger Service can be contacted on 0121 464 8728.