THE teenager arrested following the vandalism of Northumberland's iconic Sycamore Gap has been released on bail.

A full investigation was launched after the Sycamore Gap Tree was felled overnight in what police believe was a deliberate act of vandalism.

A range of enquiries are ongoing, with the support of partners, as officers look to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the damage and identify anyone involved.

Officers arrested a 16-year-old male in connection with the incident on Thursday (September 28). 

He has now been released on police bail. A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “A 16-year-old male was arrested in connection with the incident. He has since been released on police bail, pending further enquiries.”  

Superintendent Kevin Waring, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a world-renowned landmark and the events have caused significant shock, sadness and anger throughout the local community and beyond.

“Given our investigation remains at a very early stage, we are keeping an open mind.

“I am appealing to the public for information to assist us – if you have seen or heard anything suspicious that may be of interest to us, please let us know.

“Any information – no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be – could prove absolutely crucial to our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the police website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20230928-0295.