A second person has been arrested in connection with the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian’s Wall.
Police say a man in his 60s is in custody and assisting with enquiries.
On Thursday, a 16-year-old boy was arrested and released on bail after one of the most photographed trees in the country was cut down.
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“I hope this second arrest demonstrates just how seriously we’re taking this situation, and our ongoing commitment to find those responsible and bring them to justice,” said Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies.
As a result of the incident, a pub and local businesses are offering a bar tab of up to £2,000 to any person who provides information to Northumbria Police that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the felling.
The Twice Brewed Inn, located just a “stone’s throw” away from Hadrian’s Wall said they initially offered a £1,500 bar tab, but the number is now growing, in the hope that someone will come forward with information.
“Surely someone must know something, or would have seen something,” The Twice Brewed Inn general manager, Steve Blair, told Sky News.
“We offered £1,500 and a couple of other people and local businesses have contributed. I believe it is up to £2,000 now for information leading to the capture and prosecution of anyone who had anything to do with it.”
The tree is reportedly 300 years old and was planted between 1860 and 1890, according to the National Trust.
It is also known as the ‘Robin Hood Tree’ after it featured in the 1991 Hollywood film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, which starred Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman.
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It was voted English Tree of the Year in 2016.
‘We are worried’
The image of the now fallen tree is used throughout The Twice Brewed Inn, Mr Blair said, even down to the logo on its sister Brewery’s award-winning ale.
But the destruction of the tree could threaten the success of the pub and the number of visitors it attracts.
“We do have a fear for local tourism,” Mr Blair said.
The tree in the 1991 Kevin Costner film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves. Pic: Warner Bros
A lot of people visit the site for proposals and the scattering of ashes.
“We have 65 staff employed here, one of the biggest sites in the area, but we are in quite a desolate location.
“We are worried,” he added.
When asked what he hopes will happen now, Mr Blair said the local community wants to create a lasting memorial where future generations can learn about the tree’s history, its significance in the area and the importance of preserving natural treasures.
Police are also encouraging anyone with any information “no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be” to contact them.
