A MEMORIAL tree could die after being stripped of its bark by vandals.

The oak tree which is thought to have been planted as part of a Korean War Memorial on the Town Green in Bromyard was vandalised on Friday evening.

The incident was caught on CCTV by Bromyard Town Council who own the tree.

Town Clerk Gary Swinford said: "It's very curious what they have done removing all the bark up to five feet from the ground. It has been completely stripped all the way around which I'm told is fatal for a tree.

"It was an absolutely bizarre incident and looks like vandalism. I understand the CCTV is pretty clear and is with police so the culprit will be identified and dealt with appropriately. We are trying to find out the tree's age, it is an established tree and has been there many years."