Two additional suspects have been arrested in connection with the cutting down of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, renowned for its appearance in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” Authorities in Northern England confirmed the arrest of two men in their 30s, who were later released on bail without charges on Tuesday. This development follows the earlier arrest of a 16-year-old accused of felling the tree, which stood adjacent to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland for over 150 years.
The tree, distinguished for its setting within a natural landscape dip, was “deliberately felled,” prompting an immediate investigation by Northumbria police. Authorities have requested the public to avoid the area during the ongoing probe. Kevin Waring of Northumbria police described the tree as “world-renowned,” noting the incident has caused considerable dismay and outrage locally and globally.
The Northumberland National Park Authority expressed bewilderment at the rationale behind cutting down the historic tree, which gained fame from its role in the film starring Kevin Costner. The sycamore tree, a prominent feature of the area’s landscape, was honored as Tree of the Year in 2016, according to the BBC.
The local tourism sector expressed deep shock and grief, with business owner Anna Charlton describing the tree as an “emblem” and lamenting the incident as a “terrible, terrible day for the North East.”
The felling of the tree, which occurred between September 27 and 28, also resulted in some damage to Hadrian’s Wall, a Roman-era landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Waring has appealed to the public for any relevant information to aid the investigation.
