Police arrest boy of 16 after Sycamore Gap tree is felled

Northumbria Police have said a 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage, in connection with the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree. The boy remains in custody and is assisting officers with their inquiries, the force said. Northumbria Police said it believes the damage caused to the tree was a deliberate act of vandalism.

- RICH BOOTH

The tree is one of the UK's most photographed and has come down overnight after being "deliberately felled", the Northumberland National Park Authority has said. The famous tree at Sycamore Gap, next to Hadrian's Wall, was immortalised by actor Kevin Costner when it appeared in his 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

The national park authority said: "[We] can confirm that sadly, the famous tree at Sycamore Gap has come down overnight. We have reason to believe it has been deliberately felled. We are working with the relevant agencies and partners with an interest in this iconic North East landmark and will issue more details once they are known."