Second arrest over felling of world-famous Sycamore Gap tree

There have been two major developments following the slashing of one of the world’s most famous and photographed trees.

A second person has been arrested in connection with the felling of the world-famous Sycamore Gap tree in northeast England, as a teenage boy was released on bail.

One of the world’s most photographed and celebrated trees, which stands 21-metres tall and was believed to date back to medieval times, was devastatingly chopped down in Crag Lough in Northumberland overnight on Wednesday.

The fallen landmark was discovered early Thursday morning.

According to Northumbria Police, a 16-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage was released on bail on Friday.

The tree was found slashed and laying on the ground. Picture: AFP

And now, a man in his 60s has also been arrested, The Guardian reports.

He was arrested on Friday night and remains in police custody, where he is assisting officers with inquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies of Northumbria police told the outlet: “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 northeast and further afield.

“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.

Two people have now been arrested over the felling. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Police earlier said they believe the damage caused to the tree was a deliberate act of vandalism.

The tree is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the UK, inspiring its own beer in the nearby Twice Brewed Inn

It notably appeared in the 1991 movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman.

Despite widespread dismay and anger at the felling, National Trust general manager Andrew Poad told BBC television the “very healthy tree” could survive, the AFP reported.

Only a stump was left where the tree once proudly stood. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

“Because of the condition of the stump, it may well regrow a coppice from the stump, and if we could nurture that then that might be one of the best outcomes, and then we keep the tree,” Mr Poad said.

In coppicing, multi-stemmed trees are formed when shoots re-grow from buds at a stump’s base.

Residents living nearby expressed their “outrage” at the tree’s felling.

Farmer Katie Smith, 25, said she spotted the tree on its side as she passed it on her way to work on Thursday morning.

“I drive past the tree twice a day and I always look up at it but today I just saw it was gone,” she said.

The tree was one of the UK's most photographed. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

“Pictures taken of it look like someone has deliberately sawed it down. It’s an absolute tragedy. No one can believe it has been cut down”.

Andrew Benton, 45, added, “I’m outraged that someone has done this to such a beautiful tree. What the hell is the world coming to?”

Hadrian’s Wall was born in 122AD during the reign of emperor Hadrian, marking the boundary between Roman Britannia and unconquered Caledonia to the north.

The Northumberland National Park Authority is asking the public not to visit the site “while we work with our partners to identify what has happened and to make the site safe”.

- With The Sun and AFP