Over £1,000 worth of trees planted by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) in north Belfast have been destroyed.

Five trees were chopped down in the incident which is believed to be the second time in the last year. Previously, 23 trees were chopped down along the same pathway, known locally as Snakey Path, situated between the Antrim Road and the Whitewell Road.

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NIHE owns and maintains the grounds on both sides of the path.

Grounds Maintenance Manager for Belfast, Malachy Brennan, said: "This is the second time trees have been destroyed in the same area. This vandalism not only costs the public purse, to date that's £4600, but it also has an environmental cost.

"In the last six years, my team has been planting along this pathway to enhance the appearance of the area and create an aesthetically pleasing environment for the local community."

The firm is appealing to anyone with information to contact the police.

(CD/JP)