• iconNews
  • videos
  • entertainment
  • Home
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • Australia
    • Ireland
    • World News
    • Weird News
    • Viral News
    • Sport
    • Technology
    • Science
    • True Crime
    • Travel
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity
    • TV & Film
    • Netflix
    • Music
    • Gaming
    • TikTok
  • LAD Originals
    • Say Maaate to a Mate
    • Daily Ladness
    • Lad Files
    • UOKM8?
    • FreeToBe
    • Extinct
    • Citizen Reef
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube

LAD Entertainment

YouTube

LAD Stories

Submit Your Content
Man arrested by officers investigating the felling of world-famous Sycamore Gap tree

Home> News> UK News

Updated 14:16 30 Apr 2025 GMT+1Published 20:23 29 Sep 2023 GMT+1

Man arrested by officers investigating the felling of world-famous Sycamore Gap tree

Police have revealed a man has been arrested in relation to the felling of the famous Sycamore Gap tree.

Poppy Bilderbeck

Poppy Bilderbeck

Police have arrested a second person in relation to the felling of the famous Sycamore Gap tree.

The tree at Northumberland's Sycamore Gap is one of the most photographed in the country, but was cut down earlier this week in what is believed to have been a 'deliberate act of vandalism'.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested earlier this week on suspicion of criminal damage, but he was later released on bail.

Advert

A man in his 60s has now also been arrested in relation to the incident, which took place on the night of Thursday 28 September.

Northumbria Police confirmed the man in his 60s was arrested on Friday evening in connection with the felling of the tree, saying he remains in police custody assisting officers with inquiries.

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 of 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.

The felled Sycamore Gap tree, on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland.
PA

Advert

“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.

“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.”

After the 16-year-old was taken into custody by Northumbria Police 'on suspicion of criminal damage' yesterday, Police Superintendant Kevin Waring said in a statement: "He remains in police custody at this time and is assisting officers with their enquiries.

Advert

"Given our investigation remains at a very early stage, we are keeping an open mind.

"I am appealing to the public for information to assist us. If you have seen or heard anything suspicious that may be of interest to us, please let us know.

The investigation is ongoing.
PA

"Any information - no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be - could prove absolutely crucial to our inquiries."

The Sycamore Gap tree is a famous UK landmark that sits at the side of Hadrian’s Wall, having become popular with walkers, photographers and even filmmakers - being a location for Kevin Costner’s 1991 movie Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves.

Advert

After the iconic tree was felled, Northumberland National Park said it believes it was done on purpose.

In a statement, the 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."

Andrew Poad, the general manager of the National Trust, also told the BBC: "It’s a very healthy tree, we can see that now, because of the condition of the stump, it may well regrow a coppice from the stump, and if we could nurture that then that might be one of the best outcomes, and then we keep the tree."

Featured Image Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images / Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Topics: Crime, True Crime, UK News, Sycamore Gap tree

Poppy Bilderbeck
Poppy Bilderbeck

Poppy Bilderbeck is a Senior Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from The University of Manchester in 2021 with a First in English Literature and Drama, where alongside her studies she was Editor-in-Chief of The Tab Manchester. Poppy is most comfortable when chatting about all things mental health, is proving a drama degree is far from useless by watching and reviewing as many TV shows and films as possible and is such a crisp fanatic the office has been forced to release them in batches.

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

an hour ago
2 hours ago
3 hours ago
  • an hour ago

    Scientists answer bizarre theory that your knuckles get bigger the more you crack them

    Scientists have finally answered the most common questions about cracking your knuckles

    News
  • 2 hours ago

    Police officers ‘pepper sprayed and tasered’ amputee, 92, in care home three weeks before his death

    Two police officers have been accused of allegedly assaulting a 93-year-old care home resident

    News
  • 2 hours ago

    Hour-by-hour timeline of impact 36-hour fast has on body as jaw dropping simulation shows major effects

    36 hours of fasting can have a big impact on your body

    News
  • 3 hours ago

    Experts warn three areas are at risk of being hit by 1,000ft 'mega-tsunami'

    A new study has given a bleak prediction for residents living in these places

    News
  • Doctor explains the 30 second check for a hidden disease that could be life-threatening
  • Couple horrified after finding 'suitcase of bones' when trying to renovate garden
  • FBI charges man with stealing The Wizard of Oz ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland
  • Man arrested for the shooting of Tupac Shakur after 27 years