U.K.'s Sycamore Gap tree, featured in "Robin Hood" movie, chopped down in "deliberate act of vandalism"-FR News

U.K.'s Sycamore Gap tree, featured in "Robin Hood" movie, chopped down in "deliberate act of vandalism"

发布日期：2024-12-23 19:34:58

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London — Britain's iconic Sycamore Gap tree, set in a dip in the ancient Hadrian's Wall in an otherwise treeless landscape, was chopped down Thursday in what police have called "a deliberate act of vandalism." A 16-year-old male was arrested and authorities appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

The famous tree was hundreds of years old and was already a beloved local landmark when it featured in the 1991 movie "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," with Kevin Costner climbing atop the ruins of the ancient Roman wall next to it to deliver a few lines.

The Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian's Wall, in Northumberland, England, was chopped down overnight on September 28, 2023. Jeff Mitchell / Getty Images

In 2016, it was voted "English Tree of the Year."

The toppled tree was found laying over Hadrian's Wall on Thursday, with its bare stump showing the clean cut left by the vandal.

The Sycamore Gap tree near Hadrian's Wall is seen in a file photo before it was cut down. Roy James Shakespeare/Getty

Local lawmaker Guy Opperman said it appeared the felling of the tree had been carried out by "someone very capable with a large chainsaw."

"A devastating day," Opperman said. "Everyone is just bereft."

"The tree is a world-renowned landmark and the events of today have caused significant shock, sadness and anger throughout the local community and beyond," the Northumbria Police said in a statement, vowing to bring anyone responsible to justice.

A June 4, 2023 file photo shows visitors hiking past the Sycamore Gap tree along Hadrian's Wall near Hexham, Northumberland, northern England. OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty

"I'm devastated that the famous Sycamore is gone. That tree was ours. It was an iconic North East landmark standing tall in our beautiful Northumberland," Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness said Thursday. "I am incandescent that this looks like a deliberate act of vandalism."

Police say the 16-year-old, who was arrested later Thursday, was assisting officers with their inquiries. They said the investigation remained at an early stage and they were "keeping an open mind."

General view of the felled Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland, England, Sept. 28, 2023. LEE SMITH/REUTERS

"We're appealing for anyone with information — no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be – to let us know. It could prove crucial to our enquiries," the police said.

Haley Ott

Haley Ott is an international reporter for CBS News based in London.

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