An iconic tree next to Hadrian’s Wall was discovered cut in two this morning, having been mysteriously felled – prompting a wave of confusion and heartbreak online.
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection to the felling, on suspicion of criminal damage, according to Northumbria Police. He is in custody and helping with the investigation.
As one of the UK’s most photographed trees, it used to stand as a solitary bit of foliage in the Sycamore Gap, until last night.
The exact age of the tree was not known, but it was estimated to be at least several centuries old.
It became famous after appearing in the 1991 Kevin Costner film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
It was also voted English Tree of the Year in 2016, and was looked after by both the Northumberland national park and the National Trust.
Police immediately launched a full investigation into what officers believe is a deliberate act of vandalism.
Supt Kevin Waring said the tree was a “world-renowned landmark”, and its loss “caused significant shock, sadness and anger throughout the local community and beyond”.
He continued: “Given our investigation remains at a very early stage, we are keeping an open mind.
“I am appealing to the public for information to assist us. If you have seen or heard anything suspicious that may be of interest to us, please let us know.
“Any information – no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be – could prove absolutely crucial to our inquiries.”
The Northumberland national park authority previously confirmed the tree had been cut down overnight, adding: “We have reason to believe it has been deliberately felled.
“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 public have been asked not to visit the area near Crag Lough while the investigation is ongoing.
Soon after the felled tree was discovered, police and crime commissioner for Northumbria, Kim McGinness, said: “I’m devastated that the famous Sycamore is gone.
“I am incandescent that this looks like a deliberate act of vandalism. That tree was ours. An iconic North East landmark.”
She wasn’t the only one expressing heartbreak over the incident on social media today, either.