A man has been arrested after trees were illegally cut down at land next to Cator Park in Beckenham.
Police were called to the park on the morning of Saturday, June 10 following a dispute over the felling of trees that were alleged to be under a protective order.
Officers spoke to a man in his 30s and advised him to stop his work on the trees.
Police returned after being told that the work had not stopped.
A man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and taken into custody.
He was later released on bail.
Police seized tree felling equipment from the area.
CPRE London has said that the area is a "crime scene".
This is indeed a crime scene. https://t.co/krxw1889qw pic.twitter.com/CUvy866i9p
— CPRE London (@CPRELondon) June 11, 2023
Friends of Cator and Alexandra tied 117 black ribbons to the railings of a bridge in the area, one for every oak tree lost.
They tweeted: “We thank members of the public for tying 117 black ribbons out of respect for each oak tree least in this natural woodland.
“We dare not think of the number of deaths caused to wildlife after this illegal tree felling.”
Shocking morning 114 trees butchered - area had a TPO in place -previous Metropolitan but now privately owned adjacent to the park used as a dog walking field for past 20 years- bats kingfisher, woodpecker many other birds mammals Living in the area @BBCSpringwatch @RSPBEngland pic.twitter.com/5Tr9fmsfn8
— Friends of Cator and Alexandra (@catoralexandra) June 10, 2023
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called on the morning of Saturday, 10 June to Cator Park, Beckenham, over a dispute relating to the felling of trees that were alleged to be under a protective order.
“Officers responded and spoke to a man, aged in his 30s, advising work to cease.
“Officers returned after they were informed that the felling had continued.
“One man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and taken into custody.
“He was later released on bail.
“A number of items of tree felling equipment were seized.”
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