HUNDREDS of trees were stolen, broken and vandalised at a countryside park.

Landowner the Crown Estate has installed CCTV and upped security at the site to prevent further attacks.

Andy Wells, the Crown Estate’s head of countryside, said over 200 had been taken, with many more broken and vandalised.

They were among 15,000 planted to create the new park and enhance bio-diversity at its Nerrols housing development north-east of Taunton.

The incident has caused thousands of pounds of damage and losses.

Mr Wells said: “We are extremely disappointed by the theft and vandalism of trees which were to form part of a countryside park for the people of this area and are making every effort to assist police to catch those responsible.”