A teenage boy has been arrested after an iconic Northumberland tree was felled overnight. 

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested after the historic tree that stood in Sycamore Gap, near Hadrian's Wall. 

Northumbria Police confirmed that a full investigation has been launched after the Sycamore Gap Tree was felled overnight in what police believe was a deliberate act of vandalism.

A range of enquiries are ongoing, with the support of partners, as officers look to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the damage and identify anyone involved.

Read more: Tributes pour in for Northumberland's Sycamore Gap tree

The Northern Echo: The tree at Sycamore Gap which has been 'deliberately felled'

This afternoon (Thursday) officers have arrested a 16-year-old male in connection with the incident. He remains in police custody at this time and is assisting officers with their enquiries.

Superintendent Kevin Waring, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a world-renowned landmark and the events of today have caused significant shock, sadness and anger throughout the local community and beyond.

“An investigation was immediately launched following this vandalism, and this afternoon we have arrested one suspect in connection with our enquiries.

“Given our investigation remains at a very early stage, we are keeping an open mind.

“I am appealing to the public for information to assist us – if you have seen or heard anything suspicious that may be of interest to us, please let us know.

“Any information – no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be – could prove absolutely crucial to our enquiries.”

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Following an arrest by Northumbria Police in relation to the Sycamore Gap vandalism, Northumbria Police & Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness said:

“Northumbria Police have acted fast, showing their dedication to the region and now a 16-year-old male is in custody.

"This senseless crime has forever damaged an icon in the North East, I think we all as a region feel shocked at what has happened.

"Sycamore Gap was a place of happy and moving memories for millions of people and a symbol of home for people around the world.

"It’s important now that we let justice take its course, and my thanks are with our hardworking police officers for their actions today.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20230928-0295.

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A community has been left bereft after the local landmark was devastatingly and "deliberately" felled overnight. 

One person said: "I’m beyond words, feel sick to the pit of my stomach. Who on earth would do this? Disgusted just doesn’t cover the depth of my feelings."

Another said: "The news about the tree at Sycamore Gap being cut down overnight has hit me like a punch in the guts. An obscene act of vandalism."