The hunt is on for a mystery tree surgeon who felled a number of trees in North Ayrshire without having the proper permissions.

Police are appealing for information and witnesses after trees were cut down in Dalry in July earlier this year.

Between July 19-23 three trees, located on public ground on Roche Way opposite to St. Palladius Primary School were extensively cut back and felled without the permission of North Ayrshire Council.

Trees and cuttings were also left on site which will result in additional costs to the public in removing them.

PC McKinlay of the Garnock Locality Policing Team said: “Rural and wildlife crime is a national force priority and these trees were felled without the permission of the council or the relevant paperwork and survey being undertaken by them to confirm there were no nesting birds or bats present and has resulted in what was a valuable area of greenspace for the community of Dalry becoming an eyesore.

“We would encourage anyone who may have information in relation to this incident to contact us on 101 quoting incident 1973 of July 26, thanks.”