16-year-old boy released on bail after felling ‘Robin Hood tree’ near Hadrian’s Wall

Police on Friday released on bail a teenager suspected of cutting down one of the world’s most photographed trees.

The Sycamore Gap tree, which stood for around 300 years in a depression along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, became famous through a key scene in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”.

But rangers discovered that the sycamore tree had been felled with a chainsaw on Thursday night.

Northumbria Police confirmed they had arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of criminal damage in connection with a “deliberate” act of vandalism.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “A 16-year-old male was arrested in connection with the incident. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.”

Photos show the tree, which stands in a remote location nearly a mile from the nearest road, lying on its side with its trunk leaning against the wall and surrounded by blue and white police tape. Spray paint can be seen just below the cut in the trunk.

News of the vandalism sparked anger and dismay among the public, hiking groups, environmental activists and politicians.

The National Trust said it was “shocked and saddened”.

Mary Foy, Labour MP for Durham, described the act as “mindless vandalism” that had deprived many people around the world of “such a beloved and famous landmark in the North East”.

North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll said the perpetrator must be brought to justice, adding: “People’s ashes have been scattered there.”

“People have proposed to me there. I have picnicked there with my wife and children. It is part of our shared soul.”

Culture Secretary Lord Parkinson, of Whitley Bay, added: “Like everyone in the North East and far beyond, I am heartbroken at the loss of this iconic part of our nation’s heritage.

“It is unfathomable that anyone would want to deny future generations the opportunity to have their lives enriched by this breathtaking place, as it has done for so many people around the world.”