Four people have been caught on CCTV causing extensive damage to flower baskets housing summer displays by the river in Wisbech.

Cambs Times: Vandalism to flowers at Freedom Bridge, WisbechVandalism to flowers at Freedom Bridge, Wisbech (Image: Archant)

Bob Ollier, chairman of Anglia in Bloom and also parks manager for Fenland Council, said the barrier baskets along Freedom Bridge would have needed considerable force to remove them.

“It’s not as if it was a two minute job,” he said. “They were ripped off but it would have taken whoever was responsible some time to do it.”

Wisbech in Bloom members estimate the damage at £300 and are hopeful CCTV images will help trace the culprits.

Mr Ollier said: “CCTV has got the incident recorded. What is needed is for these people to be caught and made to understand the work and effort that goes into these baskets. They also need to realise and appreciate their importance to the town.”

Cambs Times: Vandalism to flowers at Freedom Bridge, WisbechVandalism to flowers at Freedom Bridge, Wisbech (Image: Archant)

Brian Massingham, chairman of Wisbech in Bloom, said he and his committee colleagues were both “saddened and disappointed” by the vandalism.

He has been to the police to make a statement about the damage which cameras show happened at around 2.45am on Saturday.

CCTV reveals four people involved in wrecking the floral arrangements – three men and one woman are thought to be responsible.

Mr Massingham said: “It is sad that a handful of people can spoil it for the majority who get pleasure from these floral arrangements.”

• Call 101 if you know the culprits