A HUNT for the Winchester Grinch is underway after the city's Christmas tree was hacked down.

The 30ft tree, the centrepiece of Winchester's Christmas decorations, was attacked with a chainsaw.

Shoppers yesterday spoke of their shock at the wanton act of vandalism as they walked past the flattened £1,500 tree with its brightly coloured baubles strewn across the paving.

Most were outraged by the savage attack while others speculated the crime could have been the work of someone like Dr Seuss' Grinch cartoon character who famously hated Christmas and annual festivities.

One of those shocked at the sight was seven-year-old Lucinda Pitt from Twyford.

She said: "I think it's terrible and Father Christmas will be sad."

Her mum Sarah, 32, added: "It's shocking. I can't believe someone would do this. The tree was only there to brighten up the city and add a bit of festive cheer, now all that's gone because of one selfish individual."

Catherine Tucker, 40, was horrified by the prostrate tree.

"What is the point in doing that? What are they trying to prove? If I knew who did it I would report them immediately,'' she said.

"Not many people carry saws around so this must have been someone with a grudge."

Charlene James, 16, added: "It must have been someone like the Grinch, who doesn't like Christmas. I think they should be caught."

A sign hung round fencing surrounding the scene simply apologises for what Winchester city leaders say is a 'wilful act of vandalism'.

Detectives hunting for the perpetrator say the tree was attacked shortly before 1am on Wednesday.

A police spokesman said: "This is a criminal act and we are investigating to find out who is responsible. It was an extremely dangerous thing to do that could have had serious consequences for the person involved, any passers by and indeed the businesses surrounding the tree."

Anyone with information should contact Winchester police on 0845 045 4545.