Christmas tree in Cornwall chopped down from back garden

Sarah Yardley, 40, received a strange text from friends leaving her Christmas party on Friday night (Dec 15) - informing her they had spotted someone hopping over her fence with half a tree.

The fir tree was located in Sarah's back garden, adjacent to her house, which is enclosed by a stone wall roughly five foot tall, with a gate in the center.

Sarah, of Wadebridge, Cornwall, said: "What a funny set of experiences.

"My friends were leaving the party, and saw someone jumping over the back stone wall of my garden - hauling away one of my Christmas looking trees.

"Someone sawed down the top half of one of the fir trees.

"They texted me but I didn't see the message for over an hour afterwards.

"At that point it was 11pm - I had a large group of guests over and thought 'Oh gosh, as much as I'm quite confused', it was so late.

"My friends didn’t chase them down; fair enough as they left a dark house with a two year old and baby in tow.

"I investigated the next morning and was like, 'Ohh they came into my garden, chopped down one of my trees and hauled it away!

"What an endeavor."

Where the tree used to be (Image: Daniel Dayment / SWNS)

Sarah, who works full-time for Creation Fest, has not reported the incident to the police, as she is unaware of who committed the act and no cameras have picked up the theft.

She added: "The only motive that I could think of is someone couldn't afford a Christmas tree - that must be the reason?

"If they had only asked, I would have been glad to share."

Despite the intrusive act, Sarah said she has been feeling grateful for the support of the community and friends.

Sarah, who was born in Orange County, California, explained: "I try and look out for the best and not think the worst.

"Whilst the taking of the Christmas tree was not the best, the way people have responded has been unbelievably kind.

Sarah was left 'stunned' by what happened (Image: Daniel Dayment / SWNS)

"As unsettling as it is, it is lovely to feel such community support around this - people are more outraged than I am!

"I am feeling very happy and genuinely feeling surrounded by so much love and care.

"It has brought out love and kindness and the best in some people."

Sarah has also since received a new Christmas tree in the post from one of her neighbours - so she can grow her own and in 10 years time, can fully admire one again.