Man arrested over Sycamore Gap felling 'too unwell to have chopped tree down'

01 October 2023 , 07:21

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Former lumberjack Walter Renwick has denied claims that he is the Sycamore Gap slayer (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

The daughter-in-law of a man being questioned over the chopping down of an iconic tree says he is not fit enough to have done it.

Former lumberjack Walter Renwick has been evicted from his farm, with police searching the property as part of their investigation into the felling of the Sycamore Gap. The tree stood in a dip along Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland for 300 years before being reduced to a stump on Wednesday night. It had been one of the most photographed trees in the world.

Mr Renwick's daughter-in-law Lauren said she was "livid" after the 69-year-old was taken into custody at Newcastle police station for "something he hasn't even done". She said he's got two leaking heart valves and the physicality of such a task would be impossible for him.

Forensic officers from Northumbria Police taking pictures of the stump (Newcastle Chronicle)

Northumbria Police have so far arrested two males in connection with the incident. The first was a 16-year-old boy who was then released on bail, and the force said on Friday a man is his 60s continues to be questioned. Speaking to the Times, Lauren said of her father-in-law: "He’s got two leaking heart valves. He’s never fit enough to get up there. He’s down here living like f*****g Bear Grylls."

The pensioner himself told the Sun : "I didn't do it." He added: "I am a former lumberjack and I have just been kicked off my property, so I can see why people have pointed the finger. My brother came down to make sure I hadn't been arrested as he had heard the rumours. It's very sad. It's an iconic tree."

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The historic tree was felled last week amid Storm Agnes (Newcastle Chronicle)

Mr Renwick added the full moon on the night the vandalism was committed would have provided ample light, while the strong wind from Storm Agnes would have helped to mask the sounds of the felling. He was evicted from his home on Thursday after owners the Jesuits in Britain won a battle to kick him out after three generations of his family lived there.

Angry locals believe the culprit must have held a grudge against the National Trust. One rumour is a former employee of the charity had been sacked and stole a chainsaw. The nearby Twice Brewed pub has offered a £1,500 bar tab to anyone who can help solve the case.

Two people have been arrested in connection with the felling (Newcastle Chronicle)

A spokeswoman for the National Trust said of the rumoured grudge: "We are not aware of any evidence for this. We ask everyone to assist the police and not add to rumour and speculation." Detectives are said to be investigating whether the act was part of a TikTok stunt. Northumberland National Park and National Trust bosses are expected to hold discussions over the weekend over what to do with the tree.

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 shock, horror and anger throughout the North East and further afield.

Detectives fear it could have been chopped down as part of a TikTok stunt (North News & Pictures Ltd)

"I hope this second arrest demonstrates just how seriously we're taking this situation, and our ongoing commitment to find those responsible and bring them to justice. Although another arrest has been made, this investigation is still in the early stages, and we would continue to encourage any members of the public with information which may assist to get in touch.

"If you've seen or heard anything suspicious that may be of interest to us – I'd implore you to contact us. I'd also like to remind the public that this remains a live investigation so, for that reason, please avoid any speculation both in the community and on social media. Any information – no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be – could prove absolutely crucial to our enquiries."

Ryan Merrifield