ICONIC HADRIAN’S WALL SYCAMORE GAP TREE DELIBERATELY FELLED OVERNIGHT
One of the UK’s most iconic trees appears to have been deliberately felled overnight, with police investigating what looks like an act of vandalism.
The tree at Sycamore Gap, near Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, is believed to have been chopped down overnight.
It’s thought the ‘Robin Hood Tree’ was deliberately damaged and people are being asked to stay away from it.
The tree featured in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and sat in a dip in the landscape in Hexham.
It was awarded Tree of the Year in 2016.
Northumberland Police has condemned the vandalism and has vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
Superintendent Kevin Waring, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an incredibly sad day. The tree was iconic to the north east and enjoyed by so many who live in or who have visited this region.
“As a force, are fully committed to finding out the full circumstances and we will consider every tactic at our disposal in this investigation.
“Anyone found to have been responsible for this damage – which we believe to be a deliberate act of vandalism – can expect to be dealt with swiftly and appropriately.
“I would ask anyone who saw anything suspicious or knows anything that can assist our investigation to get in touch with us.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, said: “I’m devastated that the famous Sycamore is gone.
“That tree was ours. It was an iconic north east landmark standing tall in our beautiful Northumberland. I am incandescent that this looks like a deliberate act of vandalism.
I’ll be raising this personally today. I know Northumbria Police are at the scene and officers will do their utmost to catch whoever is behind this.
“Terrible news.”
