Upset after intruder chops down Wakefield Hospice's 'symbolic' tree

The lime tree was situated in the family area of the hospice grounds

A 60ft "symbolic" tree in the grounds of a hospice has been hacked down by an intruder leaving patients and staff in a "state of disbelief and shock".

CCTV captured a person using a chainsaw to cut down Wakefield Hospice's lime tree, which is more than 30 years old.

The hospice said not only could someone have been hurt, but the tree "metaphorically symbolises" the charity's growth.

Police said "lines of enquiries were being progressed".

The tree's presence represented the hospice's growth, the charity said

Patients had finished their supper and receiving medication around the time the person came into the grounds of the hospice on Aberford Road between 20:30 to 21:00 GMT on 2 February.

Craig Beedle, director of finance, said the tree was in an area of the garden which was used by patients and visitors at all times of the day.

"That part is the family area and with the nature of the patients in the hospice, sometimes visitors may need a 10 minute breather outside and that could be at all times of the night" he said.

"I think we were really, really lucky that nobody was out and that the tree fell in the direction it did because if someone was going up that path or it had come down 90 degrees to the direction it did, it could have been a lot worse."

The hospice said there had been an amazing response from the community

Mr Beedle said the tree, which had existed before the hospice was built in 1990, reflected the charity's growth over the years.

"Symbolically, as the tree has grown, so has the hospice so for someone to come and chop it down, cuts to the heart of what we are."

He added: "To be honest, we're all in a state of disbelief and shock."

After sending out letters to the community highlighting what had happened, Mr Beedle said the response had been amazing.

" We've had lot messages of help and support and people offering to come and help take the tree away."

He said the hospice was considering whether there was something that could be done with the tree to would form a "long lasting monument to the hospice".

West Yorkshire Police said CCTV had been reviewed and inquiries were ongoing.