Man arrested after dozens of trees cut down in middle of night in Surrey village

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A 24 year-old-man has been arrested on suspicion of cutting down 35 trees across Surrey.

The trees, some of which were much-loved, were cut down over the last month in Elmbridge and Police said it was thanks to residents coming together to provide information that the man was found.

Police found “several chainsaws and wood chippings,” at the man’s home in Weybridge.

Inspector Bert Dean, Borough Commander for Elmbridge said: “This is an encouraging development in this investigation. We continue to piece together the evidence we have. Thank you again to the local community for their ongoing patience and support.”

Officers were first made aware of the tree felling in late March, after residents noticed several trees had been cut down, some of which were left blocking roads.

More trees were then cut down over the next month, while officers sought the culprit.

Meanwhile, residents of the Surrey village took it upon themselves to protect their trees with some taking to nighttime patrols and starting a Facebook sleuthing group to track down the mystery tree feller.

Police were then able to identify a vehicle which was apprehended on 22 April. A man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.