16-year-old arrested for felling of famous Sycamore Gap tree

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Sycamore Gap tree, which garnered popularity for its role in the 1991 film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" and as a beloved tourist destination, has been purposefully chopped down by vandalism. According to Northumbria Police, a 16-year-old has been seized in connection with this tragic occurrence.

The Sycamore Gap tree, a well-known landmark in northern England, was not only well-known but also had a particular place in the hearts of the many people who came to see its splendor adjacent to Hadrian's Wall.

It was thought to be several centuries old and was even named «English Tree of the Year» in 2016.

«This is a world-renowned landmark, and today's events have caused immense shock, sorrow, and anger, not only among local residents but also in the wider community,» said Superintendent Kevin Waring in a Reuters report, representing Northumbria Police. We launched an inquiry right after, and we have taken one person into custody as part of our investigations."

The death of this landmark tree has severely grieved and startled both the local community and the National Trust, which is responsible for its preservation alongside Northumberland National Park.

Guy Opperman, a local politician, described the conduct as «criminal damage and an assault on one of the nation's most famous trees.»

The cutting down of the Sycamore Gap tree is a heartbreaking reminder of the necessity of protecting our natural and cultural icons, which have both local and worldwide value. As the inquiry continues and justice is sought for this act of vandalism, the town and the globe wait, hoping that the memory of the 'Robin Hood Tree' will live on in the hearts of all those who valued its beauty.