THERE are fears a serial poisoner is at work on the Attadale foreshore after a second area of bushland started dying over the weekend.

Back in July a large number of trees and bushes was killed and laboratory tests ordered by Melville council showed they’d been sprayed with glyphosate.

Although tests haven’t yet been carried out on the latest trees to be hit, council staff told the Herald they believe they’ll come up with the same results.

Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group chairperson Catherine O’Neill reported the latest incident to the council and told the Herald she believes it’s likely to be the work of the same person.

• There are fears a serial poisoner is at work in Attadale. Photo by Steve Grant

She says the vandalism doesn’t make sense, as the targeted trees aren’t in an area that blocks anyone’s views. It was the same with the July poisoning, leading her to conclude it’s the work of someone with a grudge against the world.

Melville council CEO Shayne Silcox says his staff and the community group are “devastated” by the poisoning.

“Thousands of dollars of trees and seedlings are destroyed, hours of work by volunteers thrown away and there is now additional damage to surrounding vegetation,” he said.

Dr Silcox urged locals to “step up and assist the city to catch the perpetrator”.

“Any evidence they can collect and report may help us convict the offender,” he said. The council’s 24-7 mobile patrol can be called on 1300 653 643 and police on  131 444.

by STEVE GRANT