Major development in Sycamore Gap felling mystery as giant chainsaw found

A giant chainsaw has been found as investigators continue to search for the culprit behind the Sycamore Gap tree felling.

Police searched Plankey Mill farm in Northumberland, a property eight miles from the historic tree. The chainsaw was discovered in an outbuilding on the farm - formerly a campsite - and was seen being carried away by police in a clear evidence bag.

The farm had been occupied by Walter Renwick, before he was evicted from the property. On Friday, the 69-year-old was arrested in connection with the incident. Yesterday he was released on bail yesterday as the investigation continues. Hours before his arrest, Mr Renwick told the Sun: "You've got the wrong feller. I am a former lumberjack and I have just been kicked off my property, so I can see why people have pointed the finger.

Mr Renwick denies any involvement in the felling of the tree (North News & Pictures Ltd)

He added: "But it was the perfect night to do it. There was a full moon so it would have been well lit and the wind would have meant there was barely any sound. Trees have their own DNA and you can use the dust to track down which tree was felled, so it'll be easy to find who did it."

Mr Renwick was recently ordered to leave his farm by a court following a two-year-long legal battle - which ended in an eviction order. Throughout the case, Mr Renwick spoke emotively of his ties to the land which was leased under his late father's name. "I was born here," he said, "It is like a tree with roots." The former lumberjack was afforded a 28-day reprieve from eviction after taking the case to Carlisle County Court. But the Jesuits of Britain, who own the land, say they have now taken possession of it.

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The Sycamore Gap tree was felled throughout the night between Wednesday and Thursday last week, sparking national outrage. One line of police inquiry suggested the motive behind the felling could be an online stunt.

(PA)

Police are still appealing for any information. 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.”

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.”

The police investigation continues. The Mirror contacted Northumbria Police for an updated comment.