Our police have spoke for the first time about a Macclesfield town centre tree fire, which happened last week.

Despite efforts to increase green space in our town centre, a tree was torched and the street surface was damaged after an incident on Thursday evening.

It is believed the tree was killed, however, that has not been confirmed.

No arrests or court dates have been mentioned on the Mill Street incident.

The adjacent bench (pictured) had to be taken away as it was deemed unsafe for public use.

It will be repaired and return to our streets at an unknown date.

Cheshire Constabulary had this to say: "Firefighters were called at around 10.30pm on Thursday 10 June following reports of a fire involving rubbish and paper under a tree.

"One hose reel jet was used to extinguish the flames.

"It is believed that this fire had been started deliberately and anyone with information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 1009979 or report it via our website.

"Alternatively, information can be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or report it via this link."

Macclesfield Town Council had this to say the morning after the event:

"The bench has been damaged and will be taken away and repaired by our Rangers, but the tree is unlikely to recover. The Rangers have cleared the debris and Ansa Environmental Services Ltd will clean the area.

It is such a shame that this is happening in our town when the Town Council and Cheshire East are working so hard to improve the town.

"We won't be speculating on who did this, or why, and we will remove any inappropriate comments.

"But we want to remind everyone that if you have children or young people who don't have anything to do in the evening then please contact CVS Cheshire East who can point you in the right direction of groups and projects that young people can get involved in."

The most recent year figures suggest there were 470 accounts of criminal damage and arson in Macclesfield.

This is fourth to public order, anti-social behaviour and violence or sex offences.

Do you have any information about this incident? Please do not hesitate to contact our town's police force.

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