VANDALS have drilled holes into trees in a Bournemouth park in what is thought to be a bid to kill them.

Police and council officers are investigating after the drill holes were spotted in two Scots pine trees in West Cliff Green on Tuesday. The holes, which could be used to introduce chemicals to poison the tree, have been ringed in orange paint.

Residents have described the act as "deplorable" and urged the authorities to track down the culprits.

"It is quite incredible what lengths people will go to if they want a particular tree removed," said the Reverend Christopher Colledge, chairman of the West Cliff Green Residents' Association.

"Hopefully this is something the police will be looking into, especially in regard to people in the area who might be able to get a better view with those trees gone.

"People just can go around drilling holes into trees in a public park because they don't like their location.

"It is absolutely deplorable."

He added: "The Scots pines have formed part of the character of what is the most wonderful place in Bournemouth for many years. This is a horrible, selfish act as these trees give so much pleasure to residents and visitors."

In a letter to residents, Bournemouth council arboricultural officer Jeff Tinney said: "The trunks of both trees have been drilled in several locations. The purpose of which may have been to introduce a toxic substance into the conducting wood with the intention of killing the trees so that they have to be removed.

"Both trees are now showing signs of ill health.

"This matter will be reported to the police and Bournemouth council will look to secure a prosecution if the perpetrator can be identified.

"We have circled the drill holes with non toxic orange paint so residents can identify which trees we are referring to."

A council spokesman said the trees will be replaced if they die.

The authority is urging the public to photograph or video any suspicious activity around the trees.

Contact Dorset Police on 101 with information, or call the parks department on 01202 451629.