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Topics: UK News, Sycamore Gap tree
Stewart Perrie
Police have arrested a 16-year-old boy as they investigate how an iconic and world-famous sycamore tree was felled.
The Sycamore Gap tree is a famous UK landmark in the area.
Sitting at the side of Hadrian’s Wall, the tree had stood for a long time next to one of Northern England’s most recognisable locations, in turn becoming a landmark of note itself.
It is so popular and iconic that it's been featured in a Hollywood film.
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But now it has been destroyed and Northumberland National Park 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."
BBC News reports the 16-year-old was taken into custody by Northumbria Police 'on suspicion of criminal damage'.
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Police Superintendant Kevin Waring said in a statement: "He remains in police custody at this time and is assisting officers with their enquiries.
"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.
"Any information - no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be - could prove absolutely crucial to our inquiries."
He said the felling of the tree has caused 'significant shock, sadness and anger throughout the local community and beyond'.
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Author LJ Ross, who wrote a book called Sycamore Gap, said that the incident is ‘terribly sad’.
She said: “Terribly sad to hear of the loss of this iconic, beautiful tree, which was the setting for my second book and a source of peace and inspiration to many.
“If this was an act of vandalism, I can only think that the person responsible is deeply unwell.
“It’s madness.”
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MP for Hexham Guy Opperman is devastated that a piece of history is gone.
“Too early to speculate who did it, but this is criminal damage, and an attack on one of the nation’s most famous trees.
“I was here only ten days ago: everyone in shock.
“Police are very much involved, and I am liaising here on the Wall with Northumberland National Park."