World famous Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian’s Wall featured in Robin Hood is CHOPPED DOWN – as cops arrest boy, 16

Cops arrested a boy after the world-famous tree on Hadrian’s Wall, featured in a Hollywood blockbuster, was cut down.

A 70ft tall maple tree, which stood in a dramatic chasm at Sycamore Gap near Crag Lough in Northumberland, was found felled early this morning.

A tree in Sycamore Gap near Hadrian’s Wall was cut Credit: PA

The 70ft plane tree is one of the most photographed in the UK Credit: Ian Sproat/pictureexclusive.com

He appeared in the 1991 film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves

Picture of a tree standing upright before it was cut Credit: Ian Sproat/pictureexclusive.com

Northumbria Police said a 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing damage in connection with the felling of the Sycamore Gap Tree.

The boy remains in custody and is assisting officers with their investigations, police said.

The officers added that they believe the damage to the tree was a deliberate act of vandalism.

The tree made a special appearance in the 1991 film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman.

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Northumbria Police Chief Constable Kevin Waring said: “This is a world famous landmark and today’s events have caused significant shock, sadness and anger throughout the local community and beyond.

“After this vandalism, an investigation was immediately launched, and this afternoon we arrested one suspect related to our investigations.

“Since our investigation is still in the very early stages, we are keeping an open mind.

“I’m appealing to the public for information to help us – if you’ve seen or heard anything suspicious that could be of interest to us, please let us know.”

Residents living nearby have expressed “outrage” at the felling of the tree, which is one of the UK’s most recognizable landmarks.

Farmer Katie Smith, 25, said she noticed the tree on its side as she drove past it on her way to work on Thursday morning.

She said: “I pass by the tree twice a day and I always look at it, but today I saw that it was gone.

“The pictures that were taken look as if someone had deliberately trimmed her.

“It is an absolute tragedy. No one can believe it was cut.

“There was a storm last night, but it’s been through worse. There’s no way this isn’t vandalism. People here are shocked.”

Andrew Benton, 45, added: “I’m outraged that someone would do this to such a beautiful tree. What the hell is the world coming to?”

The tree, which inspired its own beer at the nearby Twice Brewed Inn, is one of the most photographed in the UK.

Authorities are asking the public not to visit the site “while we work with our partners to determine what happened and make the site safe.”

A spokesman for the Northumberland National Park Authority said: “We can confirm that, unfortunately, a famous tree at Sycamore Gap was brought down overnight.

“We have reason to believe that it was cut on purpose.

“It is currently unclear whether the tree was a victim of Storm Agnes or whether it was a deliberate act – although the images show a clean and straight cut.

“The site was once a popular subject for photography and has been described as one of the most photographed trees in the country.

“We are working with relevant agencies and partners who are interested in this iconic North East landmark and will release more details as they become known.

“Sycamore Gap was named England’s Tree of the Year 2016 at the Woodland Trust awards and is much loved by people all over the world.

“Northumberland National Park Authority would ask the public not to visit the site at this time while we work with our partners to establish what has happened and make the site safe.”