Police investigating destruction of Northumberland landmark make two further arrests
Last updated 1st Nov 2023
Police investigating the destruction of a Northumberland landmark say they've made two further arrests.
An investigation was launched after the Sycamore Gap Tree was felled overnight between September 27th and 28th, in what officers believe was a deliberate act of vandalism.
Now, today (Wednesday), police have confirmed two men in their 30s have been arrested in connection with the incident, and released on bail as enquiries continue.
A 16-year-old boy and a man in his 60s, arrested earlier in the investigation, remain on bail.
Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies, of Northumbria Police, said: “The loss of Sycamore Gap has been felt deeply across the community as well as further afield.
“As a Force, we have seen many touching tributes from those who have detailed what this iconic landmark meant for them personally and for our region.
“We’ve been working tirelessly to identify anyone responsible and bring them into police custody and we are committed to getting justice.
“I hope this recent wave of arrests demonstrates just how much work has been undertaken by our dedicated specialist teams in what has, so far, been a very difficult and complex investigation.”
The Sycamore Gap tree - which appeared in the Kevin Costner movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves - was cut up and removed from its site next to Hadrian's Wall last month as its owners, the National Trust, consider its future.
Options include turning the tree into benches or sculptures, but specialists are reportedly maintaining an "open mind" as to what to do with it following thousands of suggestions from the public.
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Det Ch Insp Fenney-Menzies added: “As always, we would continue to encourage any members of the public with information which may assist to get in touch – if you’ve seen or heard anything suspicious, we’d like to know.
“I’d also like to remind the public that this remains a live investigation so, for that reason, please avoid any speculation both in the community and on social media.
“Any information – no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be – could prove absolutely crucial to our enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20230928-0295.