Mature trees were cut down in the park

Ellen King, who works as a care assistant at Glencairn Care Centre, said residents were upset at the damage, discovered on Saturday morning.

"It took them so many years to grow, for a start, and then to be vandalised like that, it's just not on," she said.

The police said they want to hear from anyone who saw a car, a black Corsa, with four men inside at the weekend.

Sybil Hunter, who also works at the centre, said residents had enjoyed the trees.

"I was shocked actually, because the residents would sit out here and watch the squirrels and the birds go up and down the trees," she said.

"It would frighten some of the residents, the noise alone, they don't know what's happening or what's going on. It is a bit of a shock to them all."

Vandalism

There are a number of local theories about why the trees were cut down, one being that people wanted them for a bonfire.

But some were also felled along a path near an area used for illegal dumping, and close to some maisonettes due for demolition.

The land across the centre's perimeter fence is said to be due for redevelopment.

If it is simple vandalism it means vandals are going equipped with a chainsaw.

Jim and Esther Gaston from Ballygomartin often walk through the area.

They are angry at the damage.

"If they did it even for bonfires it's wrong, they shouldn't be touching trees," Mr Gaston said.