A conifer tree bought by a couple as an engagement present has been stolen from their front garden.

The tree was in a blue ceramic pot and was worth £200.

Glum - Andrea has had her garden stripped bare Picture: TERENCE BUNCH

Andrea Rusz, 26, of Hereford Walk, Basildon, wants anyone who may have seen a group of people with the large tree to come forward with any information.

She said: "The tree is very big and spirals at the top. It is not something that could have been hidden in a small place. It must have taken several people to lift it.

"It is worth a lot to us, we have only had it a few months. It was an engagement present to ourselves."

Published Wednesday October 16, 2002

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