POLICE are investigating the upending of a 20ft Christmas tree outside the Crown Inn public house, Ludgershall late on Monday evening.

Mark Smith, who erected the tree outside the pub, said the falling timber has caused considerable damage to a porch at the front of the listed building.

Mr Smith said: "I don't believe this was the work of children but a case of criminal damage by an adult. The tree was very firmly secured and braced into its position and it would have required a considerable effort to have pushed it over."

The attack on the tree, which is easily the most prominent Christmas decoration in the village, took place at around 11.10pm.

Police in Tidworth say they would like to hear from any witnesses.