- By David McKenna & PA Media
- BBC News
September 29, 2023, 8:20 p.m. BST
Updated 1 hour ago
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The landmark next to Hadrian’s Wall was cut down overnight on Wednesday
A man in his 60s was arrested by police as he investigated the felling of the world-famous Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland.
The landmark next to Hadrian’s Wall was cut down overnight on Wednesday.
Northumbria Police said the man was arrested on Friday evening and remains in custody to assist with inquiries.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of criminal damage and has since been released on bail, police said.
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It is believed that a chainsaw was used to fell the popular tree
Det Ch Insp Rebecca Fenney-Menzies said: “The senseless destruction of what is undoubtedly a world-famous landmark – and a local treasure – has rightly caused an outpouring of shock, horror and anger across the North East and beyond.”
“I hope this second arrest shows how seriously we take this situation and how committed we remain to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice.”
“Although another arrest has been made, this investigation is still in its early stages and we would continue to encourage any members of the public with information that may be helpful to contact us.”
“If you have seen or heard anything suspicious that may be of interest to us, I urge you to contact us.”
Police remained at the scene on Friday, with forensic officers taking measurements, taking samples from the remains and photographing the area.
One was heard saying, “In 31 years of forensic work, I have never examined a tree.”
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The tree was featured in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
The tree was believed to be around 300 years old and was cared for by both the Park Authority and the National Trust.
It grew in a natural depression in the countryside near Hexham and featured in the 1991 film Robin Hood: The Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner.
Northumberland National Park Authority officials said the tree was “part of England’s identity” as it had been “a real inspiration” to artists, writers and photographers.
Chief executive Tony Gates said: “Many people have a deep connection to this place and fond memories of this place and to have lost that is a real shame.”
National Trust manager Andrew Poad said the stump was “healthy” and experts could potentially cut down the tree where new shoots were growing from the base of the trunk.
However, Mark Feather, executor at the Woodland Trust, said it would take “a few years for even a small tree to develop, and about 150 to 200 years for it to come anywhere close to what we have lost.”