olice investigating the “mindless destruction” of a world-famous tree subsequent to Hadrian’s Wall have made a second arrest.
The Sycamore Hole tree in Northumberland was reduce down in a single day between Wednesday and Thursday in what detectives have referred to as a “deliberate act of vandalism”.
The tree, which is believed to have been round 300 years previous, was made well-known in a key scene in Kevin Costner’s 1991 movie Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves and was among the many UK’s most photographed timber.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of prison injury on Thursday in reference to the incident.
He has since been bailed pending additional enquiries.
Northumbria Police stated a person in his 60s was arrested on Friday night and is in custody being questioned by officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies stated: “The mindless destruction of what’s undoubtedly a world-renowned landmark – and an area treasure – has fairly rightly resulted in an outpouring of shock, horror and anger all through the North East and additional afield.
“I hope this second arrest demonstrates simply how severely we’re taking this example, and our ongoing dedication to search out these accountable and produce them to justice.
“Though one other arrest has been made, this investigation continues to be within the early phases, and we’d proceed to encourage any members of the general public with info which can help to get in contact.
“For those who’ve seen or heard something suspicious that could be of curiosity to us – I’d implore you to contact us.
“I’d additionally prefer to remind the general public that this stays a dwell investigation so, for that cause, please keep away from any hypothesis each locally and on social media.
“Any info – irrespective of how small or insignificant you suppose it could be – may show completely essential to our enquiries.”
The incident has been met with dismay and outrage amongst walkers’ teams on social media, and the National Trust stated it was “shocked and saddened” to verify the tree had been felled.
A police presence remained on the web site on Friday, with forensics officers taking measurements and samples from the stays and photographing the world.
One was heard saying: “In 31 years of forensics I’ve by no means examined a tree.”
Walker Alison Hawkins, who was one of many first individuals to see the tree had been felled on Thursday morning, advised the PA information company: “It was a correct shock. It’s mainly the long-lasting image that everybody needs to see.”
Consultants have stated new shoots are anticipated to develop from the tree however it is going to by no means be the identical once more.
Nationwide Belief common supervisor Andrew Poad advised BBC Breakfast the stump was “wholesome” and workers may be capable to coppice the tree, a way permitting new shoots to develop from the bottom of a trunk.
Rob Ternent, head gardener at The Alnwick Backyard in Northumberland, stated the tree will begin rising once more however “received’t ever be the identical form or pretty much as good of a tree because it was”.
He advised the PA information company: “It’s value a attempt however I feel livestock and wildlife will doubtlessly injury it as effectively. It’ll be very tough to get it again to the unique tree.
“The rising season’s coming to an finish now however by spring subsequent 12 months it is going to have some life in it. It’ll in all probability be about eight foot tall, however it’ll be a number of singular branches, extra bushy.
“It was about 300 years previous so it’ll take a very long time to get again to that dimension. It’s a large disgrace.”
A Nationwide Belief spokesperson stated: “We’re very grateful for all of the provides of assist we’ve obtained – from individuals within the North East and far additional afield. It’s clear this tree was particular to many, many individuals.
“At present, we’re centered on making the location protected, and serving to workers and the group come to phrases with the information.
“We can be working with Northumberland Nationwide Park, different companions and the local people to think about plans for the location and the tree sooner or later, and we are going to inform individuals as quickly as we all know.”
Folks can contact the drive through the Inform Us One thing web page of its web site or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20230928-0295