Sycamore Gap tree may have been chopped down with chainsaw for 'online stunt'

30 September 2023 , 10:24

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Forensic investigators have been looking into the tree felling (Image: PA)

Police are looking into the possibility that the culprit behind the Sycamore Gap tree felling used a chainsaw - and was doing it as part of an online stunt, it has been reported.

Two arrests have been made so far, with a 16-year-old boy yesterday bailed out of custody under investigation, and a man in his 60s was taken into custody last night for questioning. And now Northumbria Police are reportedly following a line of inquiry that a chainsaw was used to chop down Britain’s most famous tree in what was a stunt for engagement on social media.

Forensic officers were seen taking photographs and samples of the tree - once perched in a natural dip along Hadrian’s wall - as police began to prove a launch to gain a full picture of what happened overnight between Wednesday and Thursday. Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies said the investigation is in its “early stages” and they “encourage any members of the public with information which may assist to get in touch”.

The tree was chopped between Wednesday and Thursday overnight (PA)

Discussions have sparked online regarding what to do with the wood from the famous tree, which starred in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Northumberland National Park and National Trust bosses are expected to discuss this weekend what the best next steps should be. It could become a memorial carving or a giant totem pole in order to keep it as a tourist site and pay tribute to the fallen tree, the Daily Express reported. The National Trust said it is “very grateful” for the support from North East residents and those from further afield - such as those who have donated to a fundraiser which has surpassed £3,000 - adding that “this tree was special to many, many people”.

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies, of Northumbria Police, said: “The senseless destruction of what is undoubtedly a world-renowned landmark – and a local treasure – has quite rightly resulted in an outpour of shock, horror and anger throughout the North East and further afield. Any information – no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be – could prove absolutely crucial to our enquiries.”

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The beloved tree has been a popular place for marriage proposals, walks, and to scatter the ashes of a loved one, MailOnline reported. One nature lover, Heather Sutherland, said: “I am grieving all over again. I scattered my brother's ashes here. This was our place. This was a place in which I found calm and solace, my grounding and orientation. This place means everything to me. This is more than upsetting right now.”

National Trust Rangers and other volunteers have been helping clear the site and carry away branches (PA)

However some experts have suggested the stump left by the felling may be able to grow healthy shoots - leading to hope that the tree can be salvaged. General manager of the National Trust Andrew Poad explained that it “may well regrow a coppice from the stump” which could mean we “keep the tree”. He told the BBC: “It's a very healthy tree, we can see that now, because of the condition of the stump, it may well regrow a coppice from the stump, and if we could nurture that then that might be one of the best outcomes, and then we keep the tree.”

But the head gardener at The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland, while agreeing the tree could be saved, said it “won't ever be the same shape or as good a tree as it was”. He continued: “It's worth a try but I think livestock and wildlife will potentially damage it as well. It'll be very difficult to get it back to the original tree.”

The Mirror has approached Northumbria Police for comment.

Alex Croft