Man faces no further action over Sycamore Gap damage

Police say the tree was felled in a "deliberate act of vandalism"

A man arrested over the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree will face no further action, police have confirmed.

The landmark, a focal point along Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, was cut down in September, in what officers described as a "deliberate act of vandalism".

A man in his 60s was previously arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, but will face no further action, the Northumbria force said on Wednesday.

Two men aged in their 30s remain on bail. The investigation continues.

Det Ch Insp Rebecca Fenney-Menzies said: “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 that could help us progress the investigation."

A 16-year-old boy was also arrested and bailed in connection with the felling of the tree.

In November, Northumbria Police confirmed he would face no further action.

The felling of the tree caused an outpouring of emotion, with many speaking of their sadness and shock at the tree's destruction.

Robin Hood director Kevin Reynolds also reacted, describing the tree felling as "despicable" and saying it had left him feeling "furious".

His 1991 Hollywood film featured the Sycamore Gap tree in one of its most famous scenes, bringing the landmark to the world's attention.

There are hopes that cuttings and seeds taken from the tree could grow "new descendants", with the National Trust carrying out work at its rare plant propagation nursery.

While it is hoped that the original tree will regrow from its trunk, it will take up to three years before experts know if this is possible, the National Trust has said.