Handsaws found in woodland

Eight trees have been hacked down at a Black Country wood, sparking an investigation.

Handsaws have been found lying next to the felled trees at the back of Millfield Avenue and Stoney Lane in Bloxwich, leading to fears that it could be the work of vandals.

The woodland area, which is near to Smith and Thomas House flats and a pathway where walkers regularly take their dogs for strolls, was targeted last week.

Bloxwich East councillor Les Beeley said that some of the trees have stood in that spot for more than 16 years.

"It must have taken a while to cut them down because some of them are more than a foot thick," he said.

"I looks like they must have used handsaws because we found them next to the trees."

The matter has been reported to Walsall Council and West Midlands Police.

Council officers say they will clear away the trees this week.