ANOTHER branch on a remembrance oak in Witney has been damaged, with the town mayor branding it appalling.

Police have been called after a branch on one of the oak saplings, which was planted on the Leys with others to commemorate First and Second World War soldiers, was snapped.

Witney Town Council officer Polly Inness said: “There is still someone doing this.

“It’s a real shame.

“It had previously been damaged a while ago but we thought it had recovered.

“We still think it will recover though.”

There are about 10 oaks planted on the Leys, all to commemorate those who gave their lives in the conflicts.

The day after Remembrance Day, mayor Jim King discovered one of the oaks had been damaged by vandals.

Witney Town Council staff had planned to fork out £250 for a new tree, but they were saved by Witney Air Cadets, who volunteered to raise the money.

Air cadets leader Flight Lieutenant Mike Caffrey said: “We were very cross to hear about it as we thought the youth of Witney would be tarnished.

“We don’t want the council to have to pay for this.

“They paid for it last year.”

Mr King, who is also honorary president of the Air Training Corps, said of the latest attack: “This is absolutely appalling.

“I hope the vandals that did this are proud of themselves.”

The town council will not be replacing the most recently damaged tree as officers hope it will recover on its own.

The latest incident of vandalism has been reported to Thames Valley Police who are appealing for information.