The cutting down of an ancient oak tree in north London is being investigated by the police.

The remains of the oak, estimated to be up to 500 years old, were discovered by council workers last week in Whitewebbs Park, Enfield. An emergency tree preservation order has now been imposed on the base of its stump.

The tree, with a girth of 6.1m (20ft), was a nationally significant pedunculate oak and listed on the Woodland Trust’s national ancient tree inventory.

Enfield resident and member of the Guardians of Whitewebbs group, Benny Hawksbee, said “the tree belonged to Enfield and to our national heritage – I am devastated”.

The leader of Enfield Council, Ergin Erbil, said they were treating the matter as criminal damage and had reported it to the police.

He added: “We have now placed a legal protection (Tree Preservation Order) on the tree and are looking at ways to help it grow back.

“We will work closely with the police as they continue their investigation into this matter.”

Jon Stokes, director of trees, science and research at the Tree Council, said the felling of such a “magnificent” tree was shocking.

He added: “Ancient oaks can live up to 1,000 years old and are as precious as our stately homes and castles.

“Our nation’s green heritage should be valued and protected and we will do everything we can to achieve this.”

The Woodland Trust’s head of campaigning Adam Cormack said the tree’s loss was “devastating”.

He said: “We don’t know yet who did this or why and would urge anyone with information to come forward and report it to the police.

“This depressing sight is a reminder to all of us that not every ancient tree is in a safe place.

“It is very unusual to see the felling of an oak tree of this size and age. Legally protected status for heritage trees like the Whitewebbs Oak is long overdue.”

The trust’s Living Legends petition, which aims to secure such status for heritage trees, and which attracted more than 100,000 signatures, was handed in to Downing Street in November.

The issue of tree preservation was highlighted after the destruction of the Sycamore Gap tree in September 2023.

There was outrage when the tree, which stood in a dip next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, was chopped down.

Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, both from Cumbria, have been charged with causing criminal damage put at more than £600,000.

They will appear before a jury at a trial starting on 28 April at Newcastle Crown Court.