A man in his 60s, arrested in connection with the illegal felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, has been released on bail by Northumbria Police. The world-famous landmark, standing beside Hadrian’s Wall and believed to be around 300 years old, was cut down overnight on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through the community.
Northumbria Police apprehended the suspect on Friday, citing suspicion of criminal damage. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and conduct inquiries into the motive behind this act.
A 16-year-old boy, also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage on Thursday, has been released on bail. The dual arrests have left both the community and authorities puzzled over the reasons behind this destructive act.
The fallen tree, which featured prominently in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, was a beloved natural landmark near Hexham. Managed by both the Northumberland Park Authority and the National Trust, the Sycamore Gap was a key attraction, drawing visitors and even playing a role in cinematic history.
The investigation site remains under police scrutiny, with forensic officers meticulously documenting the aftermath. Police presence at the site continued over the weekend, as officers took measurements, collected samples, and photographed the area in their quest for answers.
