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A man and woman have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after allegedly trying to cut down a tree with a petrol chainsaw in the early hours of the morning.

Officers were called shortly after 1am on Tuesday following reports of a small group of people attempting to fell the tree outside Manjaros in Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough.

The road, which is a major thoroughfare in the town, was closed in both directions at 1.25am after the half-cut tree was left with the chainsaw still inside its trunk.

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Council said more than half of the trunk of the London Plane tree had been “cut through, leading to the tree moving and trapping the chainsaw in the cut.”

The tree, which was opposite Psyche and KFC, was assessed to be unsafe and was felled by a tree surgeon at around 3am in the interests of public safety.

A large stump was left in place to avoid creating a trip hazard.

The road was reopened by 5am.

Councillor Denise Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for environment and commercial services, said: “Our trees are a precious natural resource that add life and colour to our streets.

“To attack them in this way is utterly inexcusable, and those responsible must be held to account for their actions.

“I’m grateful to our officers for their prompt and professional response, and would urge anyone with information to contact Cleveland Police.”

A spokeswoman for the Force added: “Police received numerous calls from the public and nearby just after 1am today reporting a small group of people damaging a tree with a petrol chain saw on Linthorpe Road.

“A 31-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and are currently in custody where they will be questioned.

“Inquiries into the alleged incident are on-going and we would ask anyone with information to contact Cleveland Police via the 101 number quoting Event 185853.”