VANDALISM that has endangered several trees in a Darlington park has been condemned.

A number of trees in the field, in the Brinkburn area of the town, are likely to die as a result of the damage.

It is thought that youths had been using the wood to build a bonfire and a make-shift den.

The park is popular with walkers, who have been distressed to see the trees damaged.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "The residents are absolutely appalled by what has happened. We're all sickened by it."

Darlington Borough Council's tree officer has been to inspect the damage to about a dozen trees, which have been hacked with a saw. The den is to be removed and the trees tidied up.

Initially, the vandals used dead wood which was lying around, but then they cut into branches of the trees, which include sycamore and cherry.

A spokeswoman for the council said the vandals had caused "significant damage".

She said: "This is a senseless loss of tree coverage in what is a popular walking area.

"This significant damage may pose a threat to wildlife, who use the trees as a green corridor to the nearby nature reserve area, in Brinkburn.

"We would ask anyone with any information to contact Darlington police."

Darlington police can be contacted on (01325) 467681.