Bodycam footage from first officer at Sycamore Gap

The first police officer to arrive at the scene after the Sycamore Gap tree was felled said there were already multiple people at the site when he got there.

Bodycam footage from Northumbria Police officer PC Borini has been shown at the trial of two men, who deny two counts of criminal damage relating to the tree and Hadrian's Wall.

The officer said he arrived at about 11.30 BST on 28 September 2023. He said he knew the area well and was "well aware of the importance of the tree" to the local community and visitors.

PC Borini said the tree was situated in a hollow in the land and had fallen northbound across the wall, silver spray paint having been daubed on the base before a smooth cut was made with a long-bladed chainsaw.

He took samples of the tree bark and painted areas, the court heard.

You can follow updates from the trial here.