Christmas tree thieves have struck again, this time targeting family-run Three Springs Nursery in Pershore where they made off with 40 trees worth around £2,500.

The garden centre's owners Mark and Annalise Evans, who have run the business for 12 years, discovered the loss of the Nordmann firs on Thursday, December 8 when they opened up for the day. They have been left with just three trees to sell.

Speaking to local press, Mr Evans said, " It’s going to massively affect us. My supplier has offered to get us some more trees by tomorrow- I’m thinking about.

“I’m just so afraid of this happening again. Approximately £2,500 worth has been stolen. We were gutted. I just saw my wife’s face when she opened the gate and knew something was wrong.

“A similar incident happened a few years ago when about 15 or so trees were stolen. There’s probably not much chance of the trees being found. We have got CCTV. We’ll be looking through it tonight but it looks like the main camera has been moved out of the way, so we may not see anything.”

West Mercia Police have launched an investigation and have said they think the burglary took place between 4.30pm on Wednesday, December 7 and 9.30am Thursday, December 8.