A RYDE Christmas tree, adorned with ornaments handmade by school pupils and members of a youth cafe, had a number of decorations stolen and smashed last night (Monday).

The Ryde Town Council Facebook page said: "Sad to report that the Christmas tree in St Thomas’ Square, Ryde, was vandalised last night. The hand decorated baubles, made by Year One pupils at Greenmount School and the young people that attend the Youth Café at 147 High Street, were taken.

"The Town Council is very grateful to the young people from Greenmount and Network Ryde for all the care and effort they put into making the decorations and it is such a disappointment that their hard work was disrespected by such a mindless act."

The incident has been reported to the police, with video surfacing of the suspected perpetrators.

A police spokesperson said: "At 7.13am this morning police received a report of an incident which is reported to have taken place on the evening of December 1.

"Christmas decorations were removed from a tree in St Thomas' Square, Ryde. Some of the decorations were stolen and some were damaged."

More to follow.

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