There has been further annoyance as a second tree planted as part of the Enniskillen Public Realm works scheme has now been vandalised and destroyed.

The incident is believed to have happened at the weekend, targeting a tree planted at High Street, following an initial similar vandalism incident the previous weekend at nearby Townhall Street. The first incident saw the top part of a newly-planted tree deliberately broken off; the latest incident saw the sturdy tree snapped off near its base, leaving a stump.

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A Fermanagh and Omagh District Council spokesperson said: “The Council can confirm that a tree was damaged recently and the incident is currently being investigated. The damaged tree will be replaced in due course.”

Condemning the incident, the Council spokesperson said: “We deplore any form of vandalism, and the destruction of the tree undermines the great work being done as part of the Enniskillen Public Realm project.”

Urging those responsible to stop, the spokesperson added: “We would ask that those responsible would desist from this wanton destruction of public property. The damage has been reported to the PSNI.”

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When asked by The Impartial Reporter if any preventative measures will be put in place, the spokesperson said: “It is unfortunate that the Council must now consider additional measures to help protect the trees against vandalism and deliberate destruction.”