A TREE surgeon has almost had his business 'wiped out' after burglars stole £10,000-worth of equipment including ten chainsaws and a wood chipper.

Scott Davies, from Newbrook Road, Over Hulton, runs a tree surgery business that employs four people and the the equipment is kept in a lock-up off the A6.

But on Monday morning, Mr Davies discovered it had been broken into overnight and had been cleared out.

The 49-year-old said: "I have a lock-up on the A6 and we keep all of our chainsaws and our equipment for work stored there.

"On Monday morning the neighbours came around to my house they said we had a break-in.

"I went down and discovered they had taken a chipper and 10 chainsaws. It is about £10,000 worth of equipment.

"I have gone from shock, to being upset to angry because it has really affected my trade.

"And it's not just worrying me, it's my girlfriend too. She is worried to death that someone is going to come around and kick the door in.

"This is my livelihood. I have got obligations and responsibilities. This is not just me it is affecting.

"I work seven days a week. I work hard and I am trying to keep people in work. What they have done."

Mr Davies has managed to recover the wood chipper, which he and a friend found at a property in Little Lever.

He said he knew who was responsible and has reported everything to the police.

The tree surgeon thanked the community for their messages of support.

"The world can be a horrible place and every day we are being bombarded with bad news and bad people.

"But I have had so many people get in touch with me offering if they can help, which has been so nice."

A spokesman from Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a report of a burglary was made to them on Monday morning and it is believed it took place between 1am and 6am.

Investigations are currently ongoing.