Memorial tree in Devon vandalised twice

Daniel Snow and his family have been visiting Appledore for the past 30 years

A tree planted in Devon in memory of a family's grandmother has been vandalised for a second time.

Daniel Snow and his family have been visiting Appledore for the past 30 years and after his grandmother died, a magnolia tree was planted in February 2023 in memory of her on the seafront.

Within 48 hours of the tree being planted, Mr Snow said the bark was attacked, cut and bleach was poured on the ground.

Mr Snow said: "It was very upsetting for me and my family - it affects a lot of people, it's the memory of my grandmother that someone has tried to attack.

"I think to attack any tree is odd behaviour but to target a memorial tree is particularly disturbing."

After the recent attack where the tree was ring barked, Mr Snow said he hoped the tree would survive but if it did not he would plant another and hope it was third time lucky.

Devon and Cornwall Police said they were made aware of an act of vandalism at a memorial tree, believed to have happened between Thursday 18 April and Friday 19 April in Appledore.

Officers said they took reports of this kind extremely seriously and asked anybody with information to call 101 or visit its website quoting 50240092954.