Locals are in an uproar over the chopping down of the centuries-old trees, which stood proudly at Drayton Green Lanes, affectionately known as "the beauty spot", along the River Wensum in Norfolk.

The reserve, protected as a Special Area of Conservation, is a haven for wildlife as well as locals who swim in the river and walk their dogs along the bank.

The discovery was made by Esther Jury at approximately 8:30 am on April 7, prompting an investigation by the police.

Esther said: "It's really upsetting.

"I feel like this is a Sycamore Gap type mentality and that's exactly the reaction the people that did this want.

"There's no indication that wood has been taken for firewood or anything like that, it's just vandalism."

"It's a nature reserve, it's for everybody's benefit and it's used by loads of people.

"It's just sad that people treat something that's for everyone with such aggressive vandalism and ecocide.

"It's difficult to understand that kind of mentality."

Esther, who also swims in the area regularly, reported the damage to Drayton's volunteer tree warden, who informed Drayton Parish Council. She now wants CCTV installed at the car park, which is already a known hot spot for fly-tipping.

Arborist John Allaway condemned the incident as "a Sycamore Gap copycat act of moronic vandalism".

Mr Allaway, after examining the site, commented: "These were beautiful old beeches, between 120 and 150 years old.

"I can tell that they were felled less than 24 hours ago by the condition of the foliage.

"It seems they were felled without the use of any recognised techniques and using a saw that wasn't properly sharp, suggesting an amateur.

"The damage is terrible."

John believes vandals might be responsible for cutting down the trees and is hopeful that they will be caught.

It is understood that Drayton Parish Council has reported the incident to Norfolk Constabulary but has refrained from making a statement until their next meeting on May 15.

A representative for the Environment Agency explained: "Based on the report we received of a fallen tree across the river Wensum at Drayton, our assessment is that this is unlikely to cause a blockage and increase flood risk to properties in the area."

He added that clearing up the debris would fall under the landowner's remit and they would be contacted to form a clean-up strategy.

A spokesperson for Norfolk Police remarked: "The incident occurred sometime between 7pm on 6 May to 12pm on 7 May in which several trees were cut down without the land owner's permission.

"Officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious or has relevant dashcam footage of the area during this time frame."