In the north of England, the famous 300-year-old maple tree, known as the “Robin Hood tree,” was cut down, Dailymail reports.
The incident occurred in the Northumberland National Park in the north of the country. According to the police, an investigation has been launched into the cutting down of the tree. Law enforcement officers note that the reason for the act is unknown, so various theories are emerging among the population. Some suggest that behind this were “professionals who knew what they were doing.” Therefore, part of the tree was marked with white paint and, perhaps, it was cut down with a large chainsaw.
“The tree is a world-famous landmark and the vandalism has caused understandable shock, anger, and sadness in the country and beyond,” said senior police officer Kevin Waring.
The park administration believes that the tree was cut down deliberately. Meanwhile, the police have already detained a suspect; he is a 16-year-old teenager.
“This place was an iconic place, enjoyed by so many who live in this region. As police, we will be looking into who did this. Anyone involved will be held accountable for this damage in a deliberate act of vandalism,” Waring added.
People are currently advised not to visit the site while a police investigation is carried out.
The huge maple tree has grown in the park for over 300 years and has been a landmark among locals and tourists. One of the most photographed trees in England, it was also called the “Robin Hood Tree” because it was the location of the 1991 film of the same name starring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman.