Modern Mysteries

Mystery surrounds felling of historic Sycamore Gap tree in England

By T.K. Randall
October 2, 2023 ·  46 comments

Image: Hadrian's Wall, Sycamore Gap
Credit: Chris Gunns / CC BY-SA 2.0 (adapted) For 300 years, the famous and much-loved tree - which stood at a gap in Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland National Park - was a staple of the English countryside.

It was also known as 'Robin Hood Tree' due to its appearance in the 1991 movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

At some point during the early hours of September 28th, however, someone ventured out and cut the historic tree down with a chainsaw in an apparent act of senseless vandalism that has sparked both an ongoing mystery and an extensive police investigation.

Little is known about the perpetrator other than that the felling seemed to have been pre-planned by someone who knew what they were doing because there was white paint on the tree where it was cut.It has also been suggested that whoever it was had gone out on that particular night because the strong winds would have masked the sound of the chainsaw.

Whether they had an accomplice or acted alone remains unclear.

"Given our investigation remains at a very early stage, we are keeping an open mind," said Superintendent Kevin Waring.

"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 inquiries."

Source: Mirror.co.uk | Comments (46)

Tags: Sycamore