The beloved Sycamore Gap tree of Britain which was featured in many Hollywood movies and had tourists coming from all around the world, was cut down overnight in what police called a “deliberate act of vandalism”.
A 16-year-old male was arrested on Thursday by Police in connection with the chopping down of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree located in the breathtaking landscape alongside Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, 100 miles southeast of Edinburgh in England.
The authorities of the Northumberland National Park said, “We have reason to believe it has been deliberately felled.” The locals are also said to be perplexed about the reason behind the teenager’s action.
The authorities further said, “We are working with the relevant agencies and partners with an interest in this iconic North East landmark and will issue more details once they are known.”
The police have taken the juvenile accused under custody and he has been assisting with the investigation, the Northumbria Police said on Thursday, media reports said.
The more than 300-year-old tree was famous for its picturesque location beside the Hadrian’s Wall built after the emperor Hadrian’s visit to Britain in A.D. 122 by the Roman Army.
The tree was also featured in the 1991 film ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’, starring Kevin Costner which is said to have shot the tree to its present fame. Following this, the tree was also nicknamed the ‘Robin Hood Tree’
In 2016 the Sycamore Gap tree was also voted ‘Tree of the Year’ in the Woodland Trust awards and it is one of the most photographed trees in the world.
Northumberland County Councillor, Steven Bridgett also expressed his shared the news on the social media platform ‘X’ and wrote “Sycamore Gap tree. That has definitely been cut down using a chainsaw.”
Sycamore Gap tree.
— Steven Bridgett (@StevenBridgett) September 28, 2023
That has definitely been cut down using a chainsaw. #Northumberland pic.twitter.com/hV7q5hT6DE
Superintendent Kevin Waring, of Northumbria Police also expressed his shock at the incident and said “This is a world-renowned landmark and the events of today have caused significant shock, sadness and anger throughout the local community and beyond.”
He also said that an investigation was immediately launched after this act and said “This afternoon we have arrested one suspect in connection with our inquiries.”
Many photographers, environmentalists and nature lovers have expressed their shock and grief over the felling of this iconic tree. Many pictures of the iconic tree have been posted on social media as well.
The Sycamore Gap tree under the lights of the aurora borealis. Taken just two weeks ago by photographer Julie Winn. pic.twitter.com/ynKIvnN53G
— Gareth Harney (@OptimoPrincipi) September 28, 2023
We are shocked and desperately saddened to learn that the famous Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian's Wall has been felled overnight, in what appears to be an act of vandalism.
— National Trust (@nationaltrust) September 28, 2023
We know just how much this iconic tree is loved locally, nationally and by everyone who has visited.
We are… pic.twitter.com/QqLMhanzgC
We are shocked and saddened to confirm that the famous Sycamore Gap Tree, at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hadrian’s Wall and Housesteads Fort has been felled overnight in what appears to be an act of vandalism. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/l0C83Ogqd5
— National Trust in the North (@NT_TheNorth) September 28, 2023
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