The North of Tyne Mayor has called for justice following the deliberate felling of one of England’s most famous trees.

Residents and officials from up and down the county have reacted furiously after the iconic tree at Sycamore Gap in Northumberland was felled overnight on Wednesday. Investigations are underway by both Northumbria Police and Northumberland National Park.

Speaking from the scene on Thursday (September 28), North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll called on anyone with information to come forward.

He said: “This is the police’s investigation, but someone, somewhere knows who did this. We need to see whoever did this brought to justice.

“This is not just a tree being cut down, it is an insult to the people of Northumberland. People have proposed here, people have had their ashes scattered here. This is part of our collective soul.

“Why? What motivates someone to do something like this? You can’t accidentally chainsaw down a tree. This is really damaging, I’m really angry about this.”

Also on the scene was Tony Gates, the chief executive of Northumberland National Park. Mr Gates confirmed that the tree was healthy before it was felled, and pledged to make the site “iconic once again”.

He said: “This is one of the most iconic landmarks in north east England and I would argue in Britain.

“Sadly, an individual or individuals have felled what was a very healthy tree. It has been here for hundreds of years and it should have been here for hundreds more for future generations to enjoy.

“Unfortunately, the iconic landmark that sat on the gap in Hadrian’s Wall is now lying on its side, and is not there for the public to enjoy as they have for over 100 years. I’m struggling to come to terms with what my eyes have shown me.

“I can’t comprehend why someone would do this. The feeling is an intense sense of loss, like I’m sure the wider public are feeling. We’ve had people in tears this morning.

“We have many people who will feel a great sense of loss, and they should – because this shouldn’t have happened. I don’t want to speculate on who did this or why, I’m just trying to deal with the fact that we have lost this iconic landmark.

“I’m working with partners and the landowners the National Trust, and hopefully we can ensure that we make this site iconic once again.”