A Christmas tree that has stood in a village for more than a decade has been cut down just hours after its lights were switched on. (Image: PA)

A man has been charged in connection to the felling of a Christmas tree in a North East village. The community in Shotton Colliery, County Durham , was left in shock after a beloved tree which had stood for more than a decade was cut down.

The tree, originally planted to honour men and women of the area who served in the First World War, was decorated in Christmas lights as members of the community gathered round to watch the switch-on on Wednesday night.

However the tree was chopped down between 10pm and 11pm, according to Durham Police.

Officers have now confirmed two men aged 23 and 26 had been arrested in connection with the inciden

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