Sycamore Gap, a famous tree in Northumberland, was felled overnight on September 27th.

The 15 meter tall tree has been part of the landscape for three centuries. In England, it is one of the most photographed monuments. He appears in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and was named ‘tree of the year’ in 2016. Some trees were also removed Hadrian’s Wall, walls from Roman times, destroyed.

The tree fell during a mild storm, but local police immediately suspected deliberate vandalism and began an investigation. Two men in their thirties were arrested this week on suspicion of vandalism, but were soon released on bail. A 16-year-old boy and a man in his 60s were previously arrested. They were also released pending further investigation.

Move participants

Northumberland Police said the investigation was difficult and complex, especially as there were few witnesses in the remote area.

“I hope the recent wave of arrests shows how much work we have done,” Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies told reporters. “The loss of Sycamore Gap is being felt deeply by local and surrounding communities. People explain in detail what this iconic monument means to them personally. As a corps, we recorded many moving tributes.’

Britain’s cultural heritage association, the National Trust, organized the transport of the tree’s remains last month. The logged Sycapore Gap was moved to an undisclosed location. “It felt like a funeral,” said Andrew Poad, who cared for the tree for 35 years. to the BBC.