A 16-year-old boy has been arrested after the world-famous Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall was felled overnight.
Officers from the national park are investigating after the tree, known as Robin Hood’s Tree, was found early today, Thursday, September 28.
It is believed that it was a deliberate act and people are urged not to visit the site while investigations are ongoing.
Northumberland National Park Authority officials believe the tree, known as Robin Hood’s Tree, was “deliberately felled”.
Northumbria Police said the teenager had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
He is in custody and helping with the investigation, the force said.
Earlier today, Northumberland National Park Authority said: “Northumberland National Park Authority can confirm that sadly, the famous tree at Sycamore Gap has come down overnight. We have reason to believe it has been deliberately felled.
“We are working with the relevant agencies and partners with an interest in this iconic North East landmark and will issue more details once they are known.
Absolutely gutting morning on Hadrian's Wall. No more Sycamore Gap. pic.twitter.com/MWb49kZlaG
— Twice Brewed Brew Co. (@TwiceBrewedCo) September 28, 2023
“Sycamore Gap was voted English Tree of the Year in 2016 in the Woodland Trust’s awards and is much loved by people from across the world.
“Northumberland National Park Authority would like to ask the public not to visit the site at this time whilst we work with our partners to identify what has happened and to make the site safe.”
Northumbria police have launched an investigation.
