VANDALS struck in the heart of Barry on the weekend, tearing down the town's Christmas tree - less than a day after thousands had crammed into the newly-opened King Square to see the lights switched on.

Three youths wrecked the Christmas tree light display on Saturday at around 10.30pm, following the celebration the night before to mark the opening of the refurbished town hall and square.

Lights were pulled down and the display's metal base was twisted. Council officers have now taken the display down, leaving just the pole.

The tree was so badly damaged that the council is still to decide whether it can be repaired, or if it will have to be replaced.

A council spokesman said the incident was caught on CCTV and staff are now working with police to try and identify the youths involved.

Council leader Cllr Jeff James, who helped switch the lights on on Friday night, condemned the attack.

He said: "I am dismayed to think that people have vandalised something that was intended to bring pleasure to so many people over this Christmas period.

"I think it is time for the people of Barry to start to fight back against this mindless vandalism. We are going to do our best to get the tree repaired, but we must not let the vandals win.

"We must not give up doing our best for the majority, and not give in to the minority who keep doing these things."

Saturday's attack was not the first vandalism at the £10 million town centre development and refurbishment.

Last month graffiti was sprayed onto a shelter in Central Park the day after it was opened.

Town centre manager Emma Smith said: "When the council and its partners are seeking to do so much to promote the town, it is deeply disappointing that a few idiots are able to spoil things for the majority."

Barry resident Dr Jachimiak, who lives just off Holton Road, described it as very sad. He said: "Clearly people do not appreciate this wonderful space. It's a bad reflection on Barry and Barry people."

Inspector Andy Rice of Barry Police said: "I'm appalled to hear of this crime, which happened so soon after the Christmas lights were turned on in Barry town centre.

"The lights and decoration are designed to be enjoyed by the whole community and this has been damaged by mindless vandalism.

"We're appealing to those people who may have been present at the time of this incident to come forward, as this behaviour will not be tolerated in Barry."

Anyone with any information can contact Barry Police on 01656 655 555.