Historic Holy Thorn tree cut down in Glastonbury

A historic tree of religious significance in Glastonbury has been cut down overnight, prompting a police investigation.

The Holy Thorn grew from a cutting of a tree thought to have been planted by Joseph of Arimathea 2,000 years ago.

Wendy Plumtree, who lives nearby, said: "It's like one of those moments where you close the door again and open it to see if your eyes are deceiving you."

There are several Holy Thorn trees located around Glastonbury.

On Wednesday, a ceremony was held at nearby St John's Church where a sprig from the Holy Thorn was cut for the Queen.

This is a tradition which dates back more than 100 years, where the Queen places the sprig on her dining room table on Christmas Day.