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 lower 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 bushes.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of legal 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 critically we’re taking this case, and our ongoing dedication to seek out these accountable and produce them to justice.
“Though one other arrest has been made, this investigation remains 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.
“Should you’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 purpose, please keep away from any hypothesis each in the neighborhood and on social media.
“Any info – regardless of how small or insignificant you assume 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 Nationwide Belief stated it was “shocked and saddened” to substantiate the tree had been felled.
A police presence remained on the website 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, informed the PA information company: “It was a correct shock. It’s mainly the long-lasting image that everybody desires 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 normal supervisor Andrew Poad informed BBC Breakfast the stump was “wholesome” and workers may have the ability to coppice the tree, a method 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 “gained’t ever be the identical form or pretty much as good of a tree because it was”.
He informed the PA information company: “It’s price a strive however I believe 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 yr it is going to have some life in it. It’ll in all probability be about eight foot tall, however it’ll be plenty 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 an enormous disgrace.”
A Nationwide Belief spokesperson stated: “We’re very grateful for all of the presents of help we’ve acquired – from individuals within the North East and far additional afield. It’s clear this tree was particular to many, many individuals.
“Presently, we’re targeted on making the location protected, and serving to workers and the neighborhood come to phrases with the information.
“We will probably be working with Northumberland Nationwide Park, different companions and the local people to contemplate plans for the location and the tree sooner or later, and we are going to inform individuals as quickly as we all know.”
Individuals can contact the power through the Inform Us One thing web page of its web site or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20230928-0295
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