VANDALS have turned their attention to Leominster ’s orchards.

Trees were smashed and ripped out of the ground in the Jubilee Orchard, near the Buckfield Estate, last week.

Archie Miles, a writer and photographer specialising in tree matters, was horrified to find seven apple trees damaged while the supporting stakes and ties had been wrenched from the ground and smashed to bits.

“This follows three more episodes in other recently planted orchards around the town, where many trees were actually stolen,” said Archie, who claimed that a passer-by had seen three mothers watching their children committing the damage but did not attempt to stop them.

Anyone with information can contact police on 0300 333 3000.