A small town in rural New South Wales is grappling with heartbreak after its cherished Christmas tree was set ablaze by suspected arsonists, barely two weeks before the holiday celebrations.

Located on Smith Street in Kempsey, the tree had been proudly decorated and on display for just a week when it was tragically destroyed in a fire deemed suspicious by authorities. The blaze occurred around 11:15 p.m. last night, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community.

The Kempsey Shire Council has pledged to review CCTV footage in collaboration with NSW Police to track down those responsible for this disheartening act.

Expressing their sorrow, the council released a statement lamenting the incident: “We are deeply disappointed and saddened for our community and for the council staff who, over many months, worked hard to procure, decorate, and install the tree after what has been a challenging year for the shire,” the statement read, alluding to the recent floods that have ravaged the area.

Detective Inspector Mark Rogers assured the public that officers are actively engaging with local businesses to piece together how the fire was ignited, emphasizing that no possibilities are being dismissed.

“It’s obviously very, very sad coming into the festive season for Kempsey to lose a Christmas tree, which is quite disappointing,” Rogers conveyed to reporters this afternoon, encapsulating the community’s sense of loss.

“But we’ll make those inquiries and treat it as suspicious for now, and establish whether or not something has happened.”

Kempsey residents were upset by the burning down of the tree, and took to social media to condemn the vandalism.

“Can’t have nice things on the ground these days,” one said.

“So sad that some people are bent on destroying a little bit of joy for others,” another added.

”Such a shame, was a beautiful Christmas tree, nicest one we have had,” a third said.

Mayor Kinne Ring said residents were understandably upset due to the “immensely tough” year they had, but added the incident would bring the town together.

“This doesn’t have to be a negative. We’re still going to have a fantastic Christmas,” she told 9News.

Kempsey Shire Council are removing the burnt tree’s remains over the coming days.

Ring said she has already been contacted by local businesses and organisations who have offered to pitch in to replace the tree.