'Mindless cretins' attack memorial tree (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

'Mindless cretins' attack memorial tree

HEARTLESS vandals have attacked a memorial tree less than two weeks after it was planted to commemorate Cirencester teenager Ryan Preston.

Ryan's family and friends planted the mountain ash near the River Churn off Abbey Way, Cirencester on April 28 to celebrate the life of the 18-year-old, who was killed in a car accident at Christmas.

But on Saturday morning Ryan's father, Roger was horrified to discover that the top of the tree, planted to coincide with Ryan's birthday, had been torn off.

The attackers must have known it was a memorial tree as a commemorative plaque had been installed at its base.

Other memorial trees planted in the area have also been attacked.

Ryan's family believe the incidents happened on Friday night, and have contacted the police.

"It's just so heartless, they must have been able to see that it was a memorial tree even if they were blind drunk," said Ryan's mother, Lynn, of North Home Road, Cirencester, "They're probably just mindless cretins. "When Roger told me I was just so emotional, the tree stands for a great deal. "We are planning to put another one there, but I just wonder how long that will last."

Ryan's friends raised £90 to buy the plaque and the tree - a gesture which greatly moved the Preston family.

Ryan, a chef at Hunters Care Home near Cirencester, died on December 20 last year when the Vauxhall Nova he was driving was involved in a collision on Leckhampton Hill.

Another man, a 21-year-old, also died in the accident.

Photograph: Ryan Preston