Mihhail Korb filed a request for an investigation of whether an incision found in the trunk after the first time the tree toppled was intentional and whether the incidents could have endangered people's lives.

"After these questions are answered, the police have discretionary powers as to whether to bring charges against anyone or whether this would not be expedient," said Korb.

The tree keeled over on November 25, and during high winds on November 27. No one was injured.

An internal investigation in the city district government found that the government should have done more to supervise the company that erected the spruce, Kesklinna Parkide OÜ.

The urban environment department head has been demoted and an acting official named.

Measures are also being weighed in regard to Kesklinna Parkide OÜ, the concessionaire that maintains the city's parks. Korb said the company could face claims for revenue forgone from vendors in the area.

The possible measures included using the services of a different company to dismantle the spruce or put up next year's tree, said Korb.

Kristopher Rikken