Residents have been left shocked and upset after around 30 mature trees were cut down in their local park.
The trees were cut down close to the greenway path that runs through the park on Sunday, May 21, and Monday May 22, by contractors working for NIE Networks who were meant to be pruning the trees so that they did not interfere with power cables.
However, locals felt that the work had gone too far with a large number of trees being cut down.
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One East Belfast resident said that it was "environmental vandalism" and that many in the area were horrified about what had happened and hoped that work would be carried out to undo the "reckless activity".
Lisnasharragh councillor Brian Smyth said he has been speaking with upset residents after the trees were cut down and that he plans to report the incident to the police as a possible wildlife crime.
He said: "I'm shocked at the level of destruction in Orangefield Park. My understanding is that only one or two trees were to be felled and the rest pruned. Yet what has unfolded has left many local residents shocked and upset, I've asked council for a full report on this and I'd be pushing for legal action to be taken if any agreements have been broken.
"I was informed by local residents on Sunday evening of what was taking place in the park and as a result work has been suspended. I know that our parks staff are deeply upset with what unfolded.
"I'm also going to report the matter to the PSNI to be investigated as a possible wildlife crime."
A Belfast City Council spokesperson said: "An access agreement is in place with NIE Networks in Orangefield Park to enable them to carry out their statutory role in ensuring trees within the park do not interfere with overhead powerlines.
“After attending the site on Tuesday, council officers expressed concerns about the extent and standard of tree pruning works being undertaken as part of this agreement.
“These works have now been suspended until further notice, and we are engaging with NIE Networks in relation to this matter.”
NIE Networks said that it is aware of the issues raised by local residents and representatives and that an investigation into the matter had been launched.
A spokesperson for NIE Networks said: “As part of our legal obligation to ensure the safety of overhead lines, an approved contractor was working in the Orangefield area to cut trees. We are aware of the issues raised and are currently investigating.”
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