VILLAGERS are trying to discover why their Christmas tree has cut down and apparently put through a chipper.

Villagers in Grove, near Wantage, were outraged after discovering the Norwegian Spruce, worth £1,000, had been taken from Vale Avenue on Thursday night.

Three men with a flat bed truck are thought to have chopped it down and put it through the chipper.

The police have even been called in to investigate its disappearance.

The tree is decorated every Christmas and a carol service is held. Businessman John Twaites, who donated the tree, said last night he was shocked but would replace it.

He said: “I’m speechless at the audacity of these people. It just makes you wonder about humanity.

“It was still pretty young and we were hoping it would grow to 40ft. Now we are going to replace it with an even bigger one.”

Parish council clerk Graham Mundy said it was a bizarre set of circumstances.

He said: “We couldn’t believe it, especially when someone came forward and said they had seen it being put through a chipper.

“We’re hopeful the parish council will match whatever Mr Twaites pays.”

The tree, inset, was planted in November 2005 and was surrounded by a 4ft fence.

County councillor for Grove, Zoé Patrick, said: “It’s sad someone resorted to such a pointless act.”

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Pc Joe Senior at Wantage police station on 08458 505505.