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The tree was voted England’s Tree of the Year in 2016.
London CNN –
A famous tree that has stood guard on Britain’s Roman Hadrian’s Wall for more than 200 years has been “deliberately felled” in what authorities are calling an “act of vandalism.”
The sycamore tree in Northumberland National Park in northern England became known to millions around the world when it appeared in Kevin Costner’s 1991 blockbuster film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
Police said they arrested a 16-year-old boy following the incident, which is believed to have occurred overnight on Thursday.
The tree – at a location known as the “Sycamore Gap” – was located on the historic, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hadrian’s Wall, which was built about 1,900 years ago to protect the far northwestern border of the Roman Empire.
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The tree before it was felled.
Sycamore Gap was considered one of the most photographed trees in England and was voted England’s Tree of the Year in 2016.
The National Trust charity, which co-manages the site, said it was “shocked and saddened” by the felling of the tree.
Andrew Poad, General Manager for the North East at the National Trust, said: “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.”
The Northumberland National Park Authority said it was now “working with the relevant authorities and partners who have an interest in this iconic North East landmark”.
The national park urged visitors to stay away while the site is secured.
Police, who previously said they were investigating a suspected “deliberate act of vandalism”, said a 16-year-old youth had been arrested in connection with the incident.
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The sycamore maple, seen here in 2021, was a striking presence in the wild landscape around Hadrian’s Wall.
“He currently remains in police custody and is assisting officers with their inquiries,” Northumbria Police wrote on X, adding that the “investigations remain at a very early stage.”
Before the arrest, police described the tree as a “world-famous landmark.”
“The vandalism has understandably caused shock and anger throughout the local community and beyond,” Northumbria Police said in a statement.
Police Commissioner Kevin Waring added: “This is an incredibly sad day. The tree was a landmark of the North East and was enjoyed by so many people who live in or have visited this region.”
“Anyone found to be responsible for this damage – which we believe was a deliberate act of vandalism – can expect a swift and appropriate response.”