A 200-year-old boy has been arrested in northern England in connection with what authorities described as the "deliberate" felling of a famous tree that stood for nearly 2 years by Hadrian's Wall, a XNUMXnd century AD Roman structure.
Thousands of visitors walk along Hadrian's Wall every year, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that guarded the northwest border of the Roman Empire and was built by Emperor Hadrian.
Many were able to stop to admire and photograph the tree in Sycamore Gap. It was a favorite icon of the landscape made famous in Kevin Costner's film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" (1991).
Photos from the scene show that the tree was cut down near the base of the trunk, and the rest is lying down.
Northumbria Police said a teenager has been arrested on suspicion of cutting down the famous tree.
He is in police custody and is cooperating with the investigation, the police said.
"The tree is a world-famous landmark, and this vandalism has caused understandable shock and anger in the local community and beyond," the police said in a statement.
"It's an incredibly sad day," said Superintendent Kevin Waring, adding: "The tree was iconic in the North East (of England) and was enjoyed by many who live in or visit the region."
Northumberland National Park Authority has asked the public not to visit the felled tree, which was named England's Tree of the Year 2016.
Bonus video:
