In England (United Kingdom), one of the country’s most famous trees was “deliberately felled” by a 16-year-old teenager, the English authorities said, denouncing an “act of vandalism.”
Scandal. A teenager has sparked outrage in England (UK) after felling a nearly 200-year-old tree in the Northumberland National Park between the Scottish border and Hadrian’s Wall, a stone and land fortress dating back to 127 AD, according to UNESCO -World Heritage.
The incident, which allegedly occurred on the night of Wednesday September 27th to Thursday September 28th, was described by English authorities as an “act of vandalism”. The teenager was immediately arrested.
Known as the “Sycamore Gap,” this tree was planted in the past to mark the northwesternmost border of the Roman Empire. It was considered one of the most photographed trees in the country and even appeared in theaters in “Robin Hood” starring Kevin Costner, CNN reports.
“The tree has been an important and iconic feature of the landscape for almost 200 years and means a lot to the local community and everyone who has visited the site,” said Anrew Poad, chief executive of the National Trust, a heritage charity.
Northumbria Police said the teenager was taken into custody. “He is cooperating with the police in their investigation,” the police wrote on the social network Open.
In a statement, police said this act of vandalism “understandably caused shock and anger throughout the local community and beyond.” “Anyone responsible for this damage – which we view as intentional vandalism – can expect prompt and appropriate treatment,” said Police Commissioner Kevin Waring.