Gardaí in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, said there appears to reason for the trees and telephones being cut down, which has already caused one minor collison which resulted in no injuries.

It has caused roads to be blocked and drivers forced to take alternative routes.

Council workers being called out late at night to remove the debris after each incident.

A chainsaw was used, with the damage being treated as malicious.

The telephone pole, still attached to power lines, was left dangling over the road.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information to come forward, and to alert them if they hear any noises in the area during the night as some of the incidents occured close to homes.