VANDALS have destroyed a memorial tree which was planted at a park to commemorate the people who died in the Manchester Arena bomb attack two years ago.

The tree was put in place at Pennington Hall Park on St Helens Road in Leigh by Wigan Council staff on Friday in preparation for a memorial event in May.

But the foxglove tree, which was picked because it blooms in May - the month in which the tragedy happened at the Ariana Grande concert in 2017- was snapped in half over the weekend.

A memorial event took place at the park last year, which was organised by Paul Sargent where a number of singers performed at the bandstand.

The company Paul works at, Sankey and Monks Funeral Directors, paid for the tree in tribute to the 22 people who lost their lives after the suicide bomb attack on May 22, 2017.

Paul said: "Sadly some low life scum bags have snapped the tree in half over the weekend.

"Someone knows who done it and I hope they will say to them 'you did that, you was out of order'.

"It is so sad and disgusting.

"I will be putting a notice where the tree is to explain what it is for and am hoping it will play on someone's conscious.

"I am extremely angry and frustrated about the situation and when I found out about it on Wednesday I thought what is the point of putting another tree there.

"Today I am feeling different though and want to put another tree there.

"It would be nice for the person who did it to come and help me plant it but I am not holding my breath."

The local authority is providing support in replacing the tree abd fitting a guard to help prevent future instances of vandalism.

Cllr Joanne Marshall, lead member for Greener Wigan at Wigan Council, said: “We are saddened to discover that the tree donated by a local business to honour the victims of the tragic Manchester Arena bombing was vandalised this week.

“The attack affected so many people including families within Wigan borough, so the tree recently planted at Pennington Park was a welcome token of remembrance for the local community.

"The local authority is to fund a replacement tree and a protective, decorative tree guard in the hope that this will not happen again.

“We will keep the public updated as to when the new tree will be planted.”

Since sharing the damage of the tree on social media Paul has received support from residents, who have offered to help.

He added: "I have had messages from people wanting to give money.

"It shows how people have come together.

"This has inspired me to make this year's event at the park bigger with more people going."

A memorial stone is also set to be put in place at the park which was donated by Linda Seddon, daughter of Ken Bates from the former business, K Bates Master Masons. 

The engravings were completed by Sankey and Monks.

Paul is now preparing for the second Leigh Remembers Manchester in May.

More details about Leigh Remembers Manchester will be released later this year.

If you have any information about the vandalism contact police on 101.