Man in 60s arrested after Sycamore Gap tree cut down
'ROBIN HOOD' TREE ON HADRIANS WALL
Phoebe Abruzzese
Fri, 29 September 2023
Sycamore Gap tree was cut down yesterday morning. (Image: Katie White)
Officers investigating the vandalism of an iconic Northumberland tree have this evening made a second arrest.
A full investigation was launched after the Sycamore Gap Tree was felled overnight between Wednesday and Thursday (September 27 and 28) in what police believe was a deliberate act of vandalism.
A range of enquiries have been going on ever since as officers try to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the damage and identify anyone involved.
This evening (Friday), officers have arrested a second male – in his 60s – in connection with the incident. He remains in police custody at this time and is assisting the force with enquiries.
A 16-year-old boy was yesterday arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage but has now been released on bail, pending further police enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies, of Northumbria Police, said: “The senseless destruction of what is undoubtedly a world-renowned landmark – and a local treasure – has quite rightly resulted in an outpour shock, horror and anger throughout the North East and further afield.
“I hope this second arrest demonstrates just how seriously we’re taking this situation, and our ongoing commitment to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
“Although another arrest has been made, this investigation is still in the early stages, and we would continue to encourage any members of the public with information which may assist to get in touch.
“If you’ve seen or heard anything suspicious that may be of interest to us – I’d implore you to contact us.
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“I’d also like to remind the public that this remains a live investigation so, for that reason, please avoid any speculation both in the community and on social media.
“Any information – no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be – could prove absolutely crucial to our enquiries.”
SEE
Could the tree at Sycamore Gap be saved - and why is it so famous?
Sky News
Updated Fri, 29 September 2023
The National Trust have said they are "shocked and saddened" after one of the UK's most famous trees was "deliberately felled".
The tree at Sycamore Gap was nestled in a dramatic dip in Hadrian's Wall, but is no longer standing.
In a statement, the conservation charity - which protects historic places and green spaces - asked that people "keep away" from the site while they assess the work needed to be done to make the area safe.
"We're very grateful for all the offers of support we've received from people in the North East of England and much further afield. It's clear this tree was special to many people," the trust said.
The statement follows an outpouring of anger, as the tree was a landmark for walkers and photographers alike.
A 16-year-old was detained on suspicion of causing criminal damage but later released on bail.
Can the tree regrow?
One expert told Sky News it was unlikely the tree could be saved.
John Parker, chief executive officer at The Arboricultural Association, said "there is a chance" of some shoots at the bottom, but "the tree will never be able to re-establish itself to the way it was before".
However, Jon Stokes, from The Tree Council, said it was "worth having hope".
He told Sky News: "At this time of year, trees begin to store energy in their roots for next year's growing season - and it is possible that the tree may grow some new shoots next spring."
National Trust general manager Andrew Poad told BBC Breakfast the stump was "healthy" and they might be able to coppice the tree.
This is an ancient woodland management technique where shoots grow from the base of the trunk.
It is usually used to insure a regular source of timber. Hazel is coppiced on an eight-year cycle, while chestnut has a cycle of 15-20 years.
Why is it so famous?
It is one of the most photographed trees in the world, sitting at Sycamore Gap next to Hadrian's wall.
The tree is reportedly 300 years old and was planted between 1860 and 1890, according to the National Trust.
It is also known as the 'Robin Hood Tree' after it featured in the 1991 Hollywood film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, which starred Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman.
It was voted English Tree of the Year in 2016.
"The tree has been an important and iconic feature in the landscape for nearly 200 years and means a lot to the local community and to anyone who has visited the site," Mr Poad said.
It has also been the site of proposals, and the scattering of ashes.
Brendon Hayward proposed to his wife Sinead in January 2019 beneath the tree.
"The tree was precious to me because I'd hoped we could revisit it as a family as our children got older," he told Sky News.
"I chose the place to propose because the tree would grow with time and hopefully be there in 50 or 100 years. I'm gutted."
Sky News
Updated Fri, 29 September 2023
The National Trust have said they are "shocked and saddened" after one of the UK's most famous trees was "deliberately felled".
The tree at Sycamore Gap was nestled in a dramatic dip in Hadrian's Wall, but is no longer standing.
In a statement, the conservation charity - which protects historic places and green spaces - asked that people "keep away" from the site while they assess the work needed to be done to make the area safe.
"We're very grateful for all the offers of support we've received from people in the North East of England and much further afield. It's clear this tree was special to many people," the trust said.
The statement follows an outpouring of anger, as the tree was a landmark for walkers and photographers alike.
A 16-year-old was detained on suspicion of causing criminal damage but later released on bail.
Can the tree regrow?
One expert told Sky News it was unlikely the tree could be saved.
John Parker, chief executive officer at The Arboricultural Association, said "there is a chance" of some shoots at the bottom, but "the tree will never be able to re-establish itself to the way it was before".
However, Jon Stokes, from The Tree Council, said it was "worth having hope".
He told Sky News: "At this time of year, trees begin to store energy in their roots for next year's growing season - and it is possible that the tree may grow some new shoots next spring."
National Trust general manager Andrew Poad told BBC Breakfast the stump was "healthy" and they might be able to coppice the tree.
This is an ancient woodland management technique where shoots grow from the base of the trunk.
It is usually used to insure a regular source of timber. Hazel is coppiced on an eight-year cycle, while chestnut has a cycle of 15-20 years.
Why is it so famous?
It is one of the most photographed trees in the world, sitting at Sycamore Gap next to Hadrian's wall.
The tree is reportedly 300 years old and was planted between 1860 and 1890, according to the National Trust.
It is also known as the 'Robin Hood Tree' after it featured in the 1991 Hollywood film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, which starred Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman.
It was voted English Tree of the Year in 2016.
"The tree has been an important and iconic feature in the landscape for nearly 200 years and means a lot to the local community and to anyone who has visited the site," Mr Poad said.
It has also been the site of proposals, and the scattering of ashes.
Brendon Hayward proposed to his wife Sinead in January 2019 beneath the tree.
"The tree was precious to me because I'd hoped we could revisit it as a family as our children got older," he told Sky News.
"I chose the place to propose because the tree would grow with time and hopefully be there in 50 or 100 years. I'm gutted."
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