CANVEY’S Christmas tree was in darkness this weekend after it was vandalised by youths for the second time in a week.

The lights were turned off on the Christmas tree outside Canvey Library, on the High Street, after yobs destroyed the wiring.

On Monday night the lights and decorations were pulled down by louts, and vandals returned to the scene of the crime on Thursday to rip down the Christmas lights once more, this time causing £300 damage.

Canvey councillor Dave Blackwell said he was saddened by the destruction.

He said: “It’s a real shame, especially as it looked so nice.

“I don’t understand what the kids get out of doing something like that. The Christmas tree is there for everyone’s benefit.”

Mr Blackwell said: “We wanted to do something really festive to brighten up the centre. It’s really frustrating that some of the decorations have been torn down.”

CCTV cameras from the library captured both incidents and Mr Blackwell described both sets of vandals as a “groups of kids”.

Mr Blackwell said he would be passing on the footage to the police.

Essex Police spokeswoman Heather Watts said: “We have had a report that the Christmas tree has been damaged and lights have been pulled off.

“It seems a great pity that a mindless few can spoil the enjoyment of the majority.”