Residents in a UK village have been left furious after a Christmas tree was chopped down just hours after its lights were switched on. It has been confirmed that two men have been arrested following a local police appeal.

The tree, which has stood in the village of Shotton Colliery, County Durham , for over 10 years was cut down between 10pm and 11pm on Wednesday (December 10). Police said two men, aged 26 and 23, were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage. The force added officers are "in the process" of charging the 26-year-old while the 23-year-old has been released under investigation.

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