AN INVESTIGATION into the loss of trees from a local authority owned plot of land hours before it was sold at auction is continuing, Bradford Council has said.

The council sold a site in Leicester Street, in the East Bowling area of the city, which was surplus to requirements but had several trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order in the autumn.

However, on the night before the auction two of the trees were felled by a group of men who were then chased from the area.

Both police and council officials were called in to investigate but Bradford Council said that work was still going on.

At the auction it was warned that the council may impose a requirement on the new owner to replace the trees which were lost.