STAGGERING down Worcester's High Street, they look like two ordinary revellers trying to get home after one too many jars.

But this mystery duo are at the centre of a police hunt after absolutely wrecking two trees during an incident captured on CCTV that has been slammed as "absolutely deplorable".

Worcester City Council has footage of the pair swaggering down the street before one of them urinates over a cherry tree just past the Guildhall.

After zipping himself up he takes a big yank at the branch, with the CCTV showing it bending severely.

His companion then gives the tree a running kick and shockingly, it crashes to the ground, snapping off near its roots.

The drunken yobs then staggered towards The Cross and snapped the next tree clean from the ground as they made their journey towards the taxi rank.

Their actions have been lambasted by both the city council and Worcester's MP, who says he wants the culprits prosecuted.

Councillor Andy Roberts, cabinet member for cleaner and greener, said: "I completely deplore this mindless act of vandalism.

"It’s always disappointing when a small minority of people feel the need to behave in such a destructive manner."

City MP Robin Walker said: "It's completely outrageous, both from a public point of view and because it's a living thing.

"Trees are public property and they add to the quality of Worcester's shopping environment, I hope this will result in a prosecution."

Other city leaders have heavily criticised the attack, especially as it comes after concern around other trees being targeted.

In October the council's tree officer Geoff Poole produced a report warning about incidents of trees being damaged, many of which were freshly planted as part of a £700,000 High Street revamp.

This incident was captured in the very early hours of Sunday, November 23 at 12.58am.

Councillor David Wilkinson, cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, who is in charge of CCTV provision, said: "It's completely appalling, it shows no respect for the environment or the public.

"It is totally unacceptable and very disappointing, the good thing is that the CCTV has fulfilled its purpose."

The footage has been passed onto West Mercia Police, which says anyone who either recognises the men involved or knows anything about it should call 101 quoting incident number 0394-S-26114.

A police spokesman said: "We are still making inquiries but anyone who knows anything about this incident should contact us on the non-emergency number.

"This type of mindless vandalism is a concern for both property owners and the wider community."