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)

Anger and upset has been shared towards the 'mindless vandalism' of a tree in a North East village felled just hours after Christmas lights placed on it were switched on. The tree, originally donated by the residents of Shotton Colliery 10 years ago, was planted in the County Durham village to commemorate the men and women of the area who served in the First World War.

But after only hours after the community saw Christmas lights switched on, the beloved tree was it cut down between 10pm and 11pm on Wednesday, causing "huge upset", according to Durham Police.

On Friday afternoon, officers from the force confirmed two men aged 23 and 26 h

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