Iconic Robin Hood Tree on Hadrian’s Wall chopped down in ‘malicious act of vandalism’

The tree featured in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman (inset left) (Picture: SWNS)

A world-famous tree which featured in iconic 1991 Hollywood blockbuster Robin Hood Prince of Thieves is believed to have been deliberately cut down overnight.

The so-called ‘Robin Hood’ tree is located at ‘Sycamore Gap’, a dramatic dip along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland.

The tree – one of the most photographed in England – was found felled early this morning.

Police are now investigating whether a criminal offence has taken place.

The Northumberland National Park Authority said: ‘(We) can confirm that sadly, the famous tree at Sycamore Gap has come down over night. We have reason to believe it has been deliberately felled.

‘We are working with the relevant agencies and partners with an interest in this iconic North East landmark and will issue more details once they are known.’

People have been asked to avoid the site while the national park authority works with partners ‘to identify what happened and make the site safe.’

Sycamore Gap is looked after by both the Northumberland National Park and National Trust.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

The tree is said to have been ‘deliberately felled’ overnight (Picture: PA) Police are investigating whether a criminal offence had been committed (Picture: PA)

The news has sparked dismay among walkers’ groups on social media, who described it as an ‘awful moment’ and said they were ‘heartbroken’.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Northumberland County Councillor, Nick Oliver, said the incident at the tourist hotspot was ‘shocking’.

More: Trending

Mr Oliver, who represents nearby Corbridge ward, said: ‘It is incomprehensible something like this could happen.

‘Looking at the pictures, a tree that big and healthy doesn’t just fall down – it’s been felled.

‘It’s always a popular spot and every day you see hundreds of people doing the walk because it’s so iconic.

‘I just can’t understand it.’

Morgan Freeman and Kevin Costner pictured during filming of Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves at the world-famous site (Picture: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock) The ‘Robin Hood’ tree stands at ‘Sycamore Gap’, a dramatic dip along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland (Picture: North News & Pictures Ltd)

A Northumbria police spokesperson confirmed an investigation had been launched following damage to the tree.

‘Enquiries are ongoing to establish whether any criminal offences have been committed.’

Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.

Get your need-to-know latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and moreThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.