Police have arrested a second suspect after the illegal felling of a famous tree in northern England. Northumbria Police said last night it was a man aged between 60 and 70. A 16-year-old had previously been arrested and later released on bail.
The sycamore, which stood between two hills near the ruins of ancient Hadrian’s Wall in northern England, was a popular photo opportunity. He gained worldwide fame through a scene in the 1991 film “Robin Hood: King of Thieves”, starring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman.
AP/PA/Owen Humphreys
Hadrian’s Wall was once built by the Romans to protect the province of Great Britain from invasions from the north, similar to the Limes in modern Germany.
Media: Pub promised reward for information about perpetrators
The century-old tree was felled by unknown people on Thursday night. Many people were dismayed. According to the news channel Sky News, a nearby pub even promised free food worth 2,000 pounds (equivalent to 2,300 euros) for information leading to the capture and prosecution of those involved.
“The senseless destruction of what is undoubtedly a world-famous landmark – and a local treasure – has rightly caused shock, horror and anger across the North East and beyond,” said Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies from Northumbria Police.