A man has been arrested on suspicion of chopping down dozens of healthy trees with chainsaws in Elmbridge in recent weeks.

On Friday (April 23), Surrey Police announced they had arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with the spate of rogue tree fellings that have left residents perplexed, concerned and angry this spring.

In a statement published Friday morning, a spokesperson for Surrey Police praised the "fantastic" response from Elmbridge residents to the case and said the man, a 24-year-old from Weybridge, was arrested after a search of his car and home address uncovered chainsaws and wood chippings:

"A 24 year-old man from Weybridge has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and going equipped after around 35 have been cut down across Elmbridge and parts of Spelthorne over the course of a month," the police statement read.

"Surrey Police received a fantastic response from residents who contacted us with information, allowing investigating officers to identify a vehicle they believed to be connected.

"Last night (22 April), this vehicle was stopped. Searches carried out in the suspect’s car and home address found several chainsaws and wood chippings.

"The man was arrested and remains in custody," it continued.

The case, which made headlines nationally in the UK, was launched over a month ago, on March 21, when residents reported a number of trees cut down overnight.

As the Surrey Comet reported, in the following days and weeks, more trees would be felled, in some cases left lying across footpaths and roads and causing disruption to residents in the area.

Inspector Bert Dean, Borough Commander for Elmbridge said:

"This is an encouraging development in this investigation. We continue to piece together the evidence we have.

"Thank you again to the local community for their ongoing patience and support."