One of the UK’s most photographed trees, located near Hadrian’s Wall in north-east England, has been “deliberately felled,” the manager of the national park where it was planted complained on Thursday.
“Northumberland National Park Authority is able to confirm that, sadly, the famous Sycamore Gap tree fell overnight,” it said in a statement. “We have reason to believe that it was deliberately felled,” it added.
Located near the Roman-era wall erected to prevent invasions from what is now Scotland, the majestic maple located in a spectacular landscape made a film appearance in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film, 'Robin Hood.'
All that remains of the tree that was voted “tree of the year” in 2016 is a stump, according to photos on social media.
Local police have announced the launch of an investigation and are working to determine whether a criminal offence has been committed.
Local MP Mary Foy denounced a “silly act of vandalism” and the “heartbreaking” destruction of a Northeastern landmark.
This is a “very sad day for the iconic Sycamore Gap, which will grieve so many people across the country, and indeed the world,” she added.
On social network X (formerly Twitter), local MP Steven Bridgett said the tree had undoubtedly been cut down with a chainsaw.
