A MAN who was arrested in connection with the felling of an iconic Northumberland landmark has been bailed.

A  full investigation was launched into the suspected vandalism of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian's Wall, which occurred overnight last week between Wednesday and Thursday (September 27 and 28).

Enquiries have been ongoing ever since, with the support of partners, as officers look to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the damage.

A man in his 60s was arrested in connection with the incident on Friday evening (September 29) and has now been bailed, police confirmed. 

A 16-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of criminal damage on Thursday in connection with the incident has also been bailed, the force previously confirmed.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “A male in his 60s was arrested in connection with the incident. He has since been released on police bail, pending further enquiries.”

Sycamore Gap was one of the UK's most photographed trees and was originally made famous in a scene in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves.

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies, of Northumbria Police, said: “The senseless destruction of what is undoubtedly a world-renowned landmark – and a local treasure – has quite rightly resulted in an outpour shock, horror and anger throughout the North East and further afield."

She added: "If you’ve seen or heard anything suspicious that may be of interest to us – I’d implore you to contact us.

“I’d also like to remind the public that this remains a live investigation so, for that reason, please avoid any speculation both in the community and on social media.

“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.