Christmas tree 'stolen' from North Walsham market square

The tree was removed from the Market Cross in North Walsham sometime on Saturday night, the council said

A centrepiece Christmas tree stolen from a town square has been found "damaged and dumped" nearby.

Locals in North Walsham, Norfolk, woke on Sunday to find the community-funded tree had been removed.

Mayor Bob Wright said the loss of the tree was "shocking", as first reported in the North Norfolk News.

He said CCTV footage of its removal had been passed to police, adding: "It's disappointing that not everyone shares the spirit of goodwill".

Mr Wright said: "Last month, the town council provided a Christmas tree under our historic Market Cross.

"As well as our own decorations, a local nursery school's kids added theirs too.

"Everyone here was very shocked to find that it was stolen last night."

He said the tree was found "damaged and dumped nearby" on Sunday afternoon.

Norfolk Police has been contacted for comment.

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