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BLOODY FELL
World famous Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian’s Wall featured in Robin Hood is CHOPPED DOWN – as cops arrest boy, 16
COPS have arrested a boy after the world famous tree at Hadrian's Wall which featured in a Hollywood blockbuster was CHOPPED DOWN.
The 70ft-tall sycamore, which stood in a dramatic dip at Sycamore Gap near Crag Lough in Northumberland, was found felled early this morning.
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Northumbria Police 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 inquires, the force said.
Cops added that they believe the damage caused to the tree was a deliberate act of vandalism.
The tree notably appeared in the 1991 movie Robin Hood Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman.
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Superintendent Kevin Waring, of Northumbria Police, said: "This is a world-renowned landmark and the events of today have caused significant shock, sadness and anger throughout the local community and beyond.
"An investigation was immediately launched following this vandalism, and this afternoon we have arrested one suspect in connection with our enquiries.
"Given our investigation remains at a very early stage, we are keeping an open mind.
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"I am appealing to the public for information to assist us - if you have seen or heard anything suspicious that may be of interest to us, please let us know."
Residents living nearby expressed their "outrage" at the felling of the tree, which is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the UK.
Farmer Katie Smith, 25, said she spotted the tree on its side as she passed it on her way to work on Thursday morning.
She said: "I drive passed the tree twice a day and I always look up at it but today I just saw it was gone.
"Pictures taken of it look like someone has deliberately sawed it down.
"It's an absolute tragedy. No one can believe it has been cut down.
"There was a storm last night but it's withstood worse. There is no way this is not vandalism. People around here are shocked."
Andrew Benton, 45, added: "I'm outraged that someone has done this to such a beautiful tree. What the hell is the world coming to?"
The tree, which has inspired its own beer in the nearby Twice Brewed Inn, is one of the most photographed in the UK.
The authority is asking the public not to visit the site "whilst we work with our partners to identify what has happened and to make the site safe".
A Northumberland National Park Authority spokesperson said: "We can confirm that sadly, the famous tree at Sycamore Gap has come down over night.
"We have reason to believe it has been deliberately felled.
"It is not clear currently whether the tree is a victim of Storm Agnes or it is a deliberate act - though pictures indicate a clean and straight cut.
"The location was once a popular photographic subject, and it was described as one of the most photographed trees in the country.
"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.
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"Sycamore Gap was voted English Tree of the Year in 2016 in the Woodland Trust's awards and is much-loved by people from across the world.
"Northumberland National Park Authority would like to ask the public not to visit the site at this time whilst we work with our partners to identify what has happened and to make the site safe."
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