A teenager arrested in connection with the felling of an iconic Northumberland landmark has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Northumbria Police have confirmed a 16-year-old boy, who was arrested yesterday (September 28) after the Sycamore Gap tree was felled overnight, has been released on bail.
Northumbria Police confirmed a full investigation had been launched after the Sycamore Gap Tree was was felled in a 'deliberate act' of vandalism.
Read more: Northumberland National Park hopeful after Sycamore Gap loss
A range of enquiries are ongoing, with the support of partners, as officers look to understand the full circumstances surrounding the damage and identify anyone involved.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: " “A 16-year-old male was arrested in connection with the incident.
"He has since been released on police bail, pending further enquiries.”
This comes after many around the country were left reeling following the news that the renowned tree had been cut down.
Read more: Boy, 16, arrested after Sycamore Gap tree felled overnight
Following the initial arrest, 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.”
Read next:
- 'rage and devastation' at loss of Sycamore Gap tree
- Sycamore Gap tree renamed 'Sycamore Stump' on Google
- Tributes pour in for Northumberland's Sycamore Gap tree
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Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20230928-0295.
One person, speaking on the incident, 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."
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