A man in his 60s arrested on suspicion of felling the Sycamore Gap tree will face no further action, Northumbria Police has said.

The 200-year-old tree was cut down in Northumberland National Park overnight between 27 and 28 September in what police believe was a deliberate act of vandalism.

Two other men in their 30s remain on police bail.

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Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies said: “I would like to reassure the public that our investigation continues, and we are committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the damage, and in bringing any offenders to justice.

“Sycamore Gap is an iconic part of our region’s landscape and we know just how much outrage this incident has caused.

“As always, we continue to welcome any new information from members of the public.”

A teenager arrested after the tree was felled had previously been told he would face no further action by police.

It comes after the National Trust said there were “positive signs” new descendants can be grown from seeds and cuttings taken from the felled tree.

Teams from the National Trust collected material at the scene which they hoped could be “viable for propagating” – or to produce new saplings and trees directly from the Sycamore Gap.

Read more:
‘Positive signs’ Sycamore Gap tree will live on through seeds and cuttings

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Officials said they are also “hoping” the trunk of the original tree could still regrow – but it could be three years before they know whether this is a possibility.

The tree was popular around the world and its position next to Hadrian’s Wall – which was damaged when the tree fell – featured in the 1991 Hollywood blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves.

The tree was also famous among photographers and artists and was a frequent destination for tourists and hikers.

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