YOBS destroyed a giant exotic palm tree at the seafront, leaving it blocking a path for pedestrians.

Chalkwell Lifeguard's Beach Welfare Officers were called to the unusual recovery operation on Friday.

Vandals had destroyed a giant exotic palm tree, leaving it blocking the seafront pathway near the arches cafes in Westcliff.

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The plant was far too heavy to fully recover, but the team manage to partially clear the pathway and erect some safety barriers in the area.

The damage was reported to The Pier and Foreshore Department.

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Heavy lifting equipment will be need to completely clear the tree.

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A spokesperson for Chalkwell Lifeguard's Club said: "It is such a shame to see beautiful established exotic plants like these destroyed for absolutely no reason at all."