AN OSPREY nest at Llyn Brenig has been felled in a "horrific act of vandalism".

North Wales Wildlife Trust said that on Friday evening, someone used a chainsaw to fell the nest of the protected birds of prey.

It came the same day as the birds reportedly laid their first egg. 

Denbighshire Free Press: The nesting pair had only laid their first yesterday. The nesting pair had only laid their first yesterday.

North Wales Police's Rural Crime team is investigating the incident. 

A spokesperson said: "We are sad to report that someone last night has intentionally felled the Osprey nest platform at Brenig Lake.

"These rare and highly protected birds only laid their first egg yesterday. We are on scene and will update when we can."

Denbighshire Free Press: The nest was felled by a chainsaw - with parts falling into the water below. The nest was felled by a chainsaw - with parts falling into the water below.

A North Wales Wildlife Trust spokesperson said: "Brenig Osprey Project partners woke up this morning to the worst possible news.

"Last night, at 9.42pm, someone took a chainsaw to the osprey nest and felled it – please, please be kind to staff this weekend as we work out how to respond to this horrific act of vandalism."

In August, a pair of ospreys fled their nest at Llyn Brenig due to disruption from a reality television show which was being filmed at the reservoir. 

There had been fears the pair wouldn't return to Llyn Brenig - fears which will be even greater after Friday's incident. 

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is urged to call North Wales Police on 101 quoting reference number 2059734.