'Spiteful' Scrooge devastates Yorkshire residents by cutting through dozens of Christmas lights for lost loved ones

Community group The Spirit of Mexborough lit up trees across the South Yorkshire town, with 100 sets of lights.

But just four days later Bev Chapman was 'heartbroken' to be sent an image of what looks like the wire to one set of decorations slashed in two. She said between 15 and 20 sets across three locations were cut from their power supply and will need replacing at the cost of around £200.

Many residents paid £20 for a set of lights to be dedicated to lost loved ones, with poignant handwritten messages and names being attached to them.

Bev, 56, says the culprit's 'bah humbug' attitude and lack of Christmas spirit shows 'disrespect and a lack of empathy'.

On Friday, December 12 South Yorkshire Police issued a CCTV image of two men they'd like to speak with in connection to the incident, which happened on December 1. Officers describe them as white, about 20, slim and around 5ft 8in tall.

Bev, from Mexborough, Yorkshire, said: "I'm heartbroken because to think there's such disrespect and lack of empathy, it's awful. The wires have been cut and boxes where the batteries go have been taken as well.

"It's someone who is clearly not in the Christmas spirit and saying 'bah humbug'. It looks like an organised thing. There are tags with handwritten messages on these trees and that makes it even more poignant. We wanted the police to be aware so they can be on the look-out during their patrols."

Lucy Matthews, 37, bought a set of lights to be put up outside her dad's house as a tribute to his sister and parents who have passed away.

Lucy said: "I'm devastated. I thought it would be nice for my dad to look out and see the lights but now someone has cut the power to them. They looked stunning. I helped turn them on and it was quite emotional so for someone to go and ruin it it's disgusting. If it was to take the batteries they could have removed them but they've cut or ripped them off so all the lights would need to be replaced."

Gran-of-two Bev says The Spirit of Mexborough teamed up with a local construction company to put up the lights in the area.

Her Facebook post has more than 85 reactions and almost 50 comments.

Bev wrote: "Whoever you are, do you realise it isn't me you're spiting? It's the residents and children of Mexborough that's missing out. I have been sent a photo of lights that have been cut [...]. Why? Just why?"

One commented: "If anyone knows them, name and shame. It's unbelievable this is happening."

A second said: "That's miserable. After all the effort you all put in."

Another wrote : "Idiots with nothing better to do."

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "We have released a CCTV image of two men we would like to speak to in connection with a report of criminal damage to Christmas lights in the Mexborough area of Doncaster.

It has been reported to us that a series of lights, which were hung up to trees in memory of loved ones who have sadly passed away, have been damaged.

"Wiring which powered the lights has been cut, with battery packs also stolen.

"An investigation was launched and following numerous enquiries, we are now releasing a CCTV image of two men we would like to speak to as we believe they may be able to help us with our investigation.

"They're described as being white, around 20 years old, of a slim build, and around 5ft 8ins tall. Do you recognise either of these men?

"If you can help, you can pass information to police online or by calling 101. Please quote the investigation number 14/209609/25 when you get in touch. You can contact us online via our reporting portal.

"Alternatively if you prefer not to give your personal details, you can stay anonymous and pass on what you know by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers.

"Call their UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111 or complete a simple and secure anonymous online form on the Crimestoppers website."