A beloved tree within the United Kingdom that’s been photographed numerous instances was reduce down in what police are calling an act of vandalism.
The Sycamore Gap Tree in Northumberland, England ― also referred to as the Robin Hood Tree resulting from its memorable role within the 1991 movie “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” ― was taken down with a chainsaw Wednesday night time or Thursday morning.
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested, according to the BBC, which mentioned he was serving to with the investigation however didn’t elaborate.
The tree, which grew alongside Hadrian’s Wall in a dip between hills, was estimated to be 200 to 300 years outdated.
Owen Humphreys – PA Images by way of Getty Images
Locals told The Guardian they heard nothing resulting from high winds from a storm.
“I can’t understand why anyone would do this,” Kimberly McGuinness, the police and crime commissioner for Northumberland, informed the newspaper. “It’s like stealing joy.”
OLI SCARFF by way of Getty Images
“We are devastated by the news that the #SycamoreGap tree in Northumberland — also known as the Robin Hood tree — has been felled,” Woodland Trust, the nation’s largest woodland conservation group, wrote on X. “This is a truly irreplaceable loss.”
The Trust had named the sycamore “Tree of the Year” in 2016.
Owen Humphreys – PA Images by way of Getty Images
“We are shocked and desperately saddened to learn that the famous Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian’s Wall has been felled overnight, in what appears to be an act of vandalism,” the National Trust wrote on X. “We know just how much this iconic tree is loved locally, nationally and by everyone who has visited.”
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People expressed dismay and shared recollections on social media: