Northumbria Police Share Sycamore Gap Tree Investigation Update
One teenager has been cleared and three men remain on bail as the investigation into the felling of the Sycamore Gap Tree continues.
The centuries old tree, which stood at a dip along Hadrian’s Wall, was deliberately felled overnight between 27 and 28 September. Made famous worldwide by its appearance in a scene of Kevin Costner’s 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, the tree was a beloved Northumberland landmark. Its felling prompted a national outcry.
Commenting on the felling, the National Trust stated, “For nearly 200 years, the iconic sycamore tree stood tall as a striking image at Hadrian’s Wall and Housesteads Fort in Northumberland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We were shocked and saddened when it was felled on 27 September. We’re now carefully considering what’s possible for the future of the site and the tree.”
An investigation was launched, with a teenage boy arrested in its early days. However, the teen has since been cleared as the police says he will face no further action.
Ongoing Investigation
“Two men in their 30s, and one man in his 60s, who were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage remain on police bail,” a Northumbria police statement reads.
“This remains a live investigation so, for that reason, please continue to avoid any speculation both in the community and online – including on social media.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20230928-0295. Alternatively, you can speak to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.”
As the investigation continues, so does the National Trust’s work to try and salvage something of the Sycamore Gap Tree.
“We’ve collected seeds from the tree, which are being looked after by specialist propagators at our Plant Conservation Centre,” the National Trust stated. “We’ve also installed a temporary fence to protect the tree’s stump, which may begin to sprout new shoots in time.”
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