A PROTECTED tree has been killed after an unknown poisoner drilled holes into its trunk and injected a toxic chemical.

It is believed the culprit accessed a private plot of land on the edge of Poole Harbour at night some time last month to attack the 35ft Scots pine.

Retired civil servant David McEvoy owns the land in Turks Lane where the dying tree stands, which adjoins his garden. He bought the site in 1999 to stop any development there.

Mr McEvoy, who is in his 70s, reported the 'disgraceful' act to BCP Council.

He said: “It is clear the tree at the end of my property has had holes drilled into it which have then been filled with poison. I have let my plot of land grow wild since 2012.

Bournemouth Echo: Liquid seen in the trunk of the dead Scots pine treeLiquid seen in the trunk of the dead Scots pine tree (Image: BNPS)

“I cannot abide the fact that tree poisoning appears to have taken place on my land.”

The specimen, which was subject to a Tree Preservation Order, has since turned completely brown and appears to have died.

Two tree experts have since taken samples of an odd-looking white residue seeping out of the bottom of the trunk.

Council officials have also been speaking to neighbours for more information.

Over the past decade there has been a spate of similar tree attacks in the suburbs that surround Poole Harbour.

Bournemouth Echo: Location of the dead Scots pine tree near Poole Harbour.Location of the dead Scots pine tree near Poole Harbour. (Image: BNPS)

Councillor Ann Stribley described the culprit as “an absolute disgrace”.

John Challinor, chairman of the Parkstone Bay Residents Association, added: “It is more than disappointing, it is rather distressing that people feel the need to do this.

“I hope this tree is allowed to remain there in its present form because it will be of some benefit to fauna and wildlife until it becomes a safety issue.”

Nearby resident Jacqui Rolfe said: “It will remain a mystery for now, but I hope the investigation gets to the bottom of it.”

Bournemouth Echo: Poole resident David McEvoy surrounded by dead branches from the tree.Poole resident David McEvoy surrounded by dead branches from the tree. (Image: BNPS)

Gay Hoddinott, 83, who lives a few houses down from the poisoned tree, said she was ‘disgusted’ by the act.

“It's terrible when any tree is chopped down but poisoning a tree is awful,” she said. “There aren't enough trees in this area. We should be planting more, not killing them.”

A spokesperson for BCP Council confirmed it had ‘received reports of a potential tree poisoning’.

They said: “Due to this being a criminal investigation, the council is unable to comment as the case is ongoing.”