Police urged to investigate vandalism as trees lopped in Digbeth high street
07:12, 18 May 2026Updated 08:48, 18 May 2026
One of the sawn down trees in Digbeth(Image: Friends of Bradford Street)
Trees lining the new look Digbeth High Street have been sawn down in a vandal attack, triggering urgent calls for action.
Police have been alerted to the existence of CCTV appearing to show the trees being lopped.
There’s been a furious reaction to the news, with those responsible slammed as ‘cretinous’, ‘mindless’ and ‘idiotic’.
Coun Izzy Knowles, Lib Dems, described it as ‘heartbreaking’, adding: “What possible motive can anyone have to destroy trees planted to enhance the environment and public realm? I hope (the police) find the individuals and they are required to replace them twofold.”
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One local likened it to the deliberate destruction of the famous century old tree in Sycamore Gap, close to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, in 2023.
Campaigning group Friends of Bradford Street said they were ‘simply heartbroken’ after learning two men were responsible, adding: ‘Sometimes there are no words.’
West Midlands Police have been informed and are investigating, it is claimed.
The trees are part of a major programme of ‘public realm’ improvements carried out alongside the construction of the Birmingham Eastside Metro tram extension line through Digbeth, with flower beds and trees planted along wider pavements, new cycle routes and cycle parking.
When it opens finally, after a lengthy delay, the Birmingham Eastside extension will be around 1.7 km in length and run from Bull Street, in the city centre, to Digbeth, with four new tram stops.
Reaction to ‘disgusting’ vandalism
‘The selfish stupidity of some people is impossible to understand. I hope the trees are replaced soon ~ they’re needed’ – Diana
‘Heartbreaking to see. Urban trees are vital for biodiversity, cleaner air and cooler streets. We need more protection for nature, not this.’ – Leo
‘Disgusting. Some people just lack soul and empathy.’ – Roy
‘This makes me so sad, sometimes I hate humans, and this is one of those times.’ – Brum
‘Why go through all that effort? What was going on in their minds? What were they trying to achieve? Idiots of the highest order.’ – Shafiq
‘This is utterly insane! What f***in maniacs.’ – Henry
‘Desecrating their own city, how selfish and pathetic. The mind truly boggles at times.’ – Stephen
‘I hope they’re caught and face the same justice as those who cut down tree at Sycamore Gap.’ – Anna
‘I’m so sorry. Who cuts healthy new trees down! You’ve got to wonder what’s going on someone’s life that they want to do something so mindless. This must be a project for restorative justice.’ – Sarah
We have contacted West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council to comment.