A small town in New South Wales is grappling with heartbreak after its Christmas tree was destroyed by arson, just days before the holiday season.

The festive tree, which had been recently erected on Smith Street in Kempsey, was reduced to ashes in a suspicious fire around 11:15 PM last night, according to police reports.

Kempsey Shire Council is set to examine CCTV recordings and collaborate with NSW Police to track down those behind the act.

“We are profoundly disappointed and heartbroken for our community and the council staff who invested months in sourcing, decorating, and setting up the tree,” the council expressed in a statement. They also recalled the floods that have heavily impacted the area this year.

Detective Inspector Mark Rogers mentioned that officers are reaching out to local businesses to piece together how the blaze began, leaving no possibilities off the table.

“It’s obviously very, very sad coming into the festive season for Kempsey to lose a Christmas tree, which is quite disappointing,” he told reporters this afternoon.

“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.