Iconic British Sycamore Gap tree felled in ‘deliberate act of vandalism’

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.

Sycamore Gap tree felled

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.

‘Robin Hood Tree’

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.

Official remarks

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.”

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.”

Reactions of Netizens

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.