VIDEO: Bring back the birch! Hunt on for tree vandal

CCTV image of a man caught on camera snapping a tree in half with his bare hands.

Furious residents have today hit out at the bizarre act of vandalism as two councillors put up a reward for help identifying the culprit.

The tree, on Anchorsholme Lane East, was one of several planted by Blackpool Council to improve the look of the area.

Coun Tony Williams, who represents Anchorsholme, is offering to give £20 to charity on behalf of anyone who can name the man responsible.

He said: “Coun Paul Galley and I had a row of trees planted using money in our ward budget.

“They have only been up about two or three months and they are just coming into bloom.

“The guy is seen shouting or arguing with somebody and he goes straight to the tree and just snaps it in half.

“I think we will catch him. Coun Galley and I will pay £20 each to the charity of their choosing if anybody can name him.”

He said two more trees will now be planted to replace the damaged one but urged anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV footage to get in touch.

A video of the incident, which took place at around 3am on May 25, has been shared by hundreds of people on Facebook and viewed more than 27,000 times.

Dozens of users have posted messages condemning the man’s actions.

Barry Dugdale, whose wife’s business is next to the damaged tree, wrote: “(I) feel very sad that anyone could stoop so low.”

Lynn Burrill wrote: “Unnecessary vandalism done by an idiot who hopefully will be found and punished for his thoughtless behaviour.”

A spokesman for Lancashire Police confirmed the incident was reported to officers and is being investigated.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.