Categories: World

British police arrest second suspect accused of cutting down 300-year-old tree near Hadrian’s Wall

close Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for October 1

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.

A man in his 60s was recently arrested after a centuries-old tree near Hadrian’s Wall was cut down – the second arrest over the incident.

The tree, which dated back to the 18th century, was destroyed overnight on Thursday. A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and later freed on bail.

The tree, which was considered a landmark, was even featured in the 1991 Kevin Costner film “Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves.” One British commentator said that he was “sick to the core” over the destruction of the tree.

“I just see this as part of a piece with a much broader hostile environment towards the living world in this country,” nature writer Robert Macfarlane told BBC radio. “It was a tree that ashes were scattered under, marriages were made under, and it was a shelter for tired walkers.”

UK MOVES ASYLUM SEEKERS TO A BARGE TO CUT COSTS OF SHELTERING MIGRANTS

Forensic investigators from Northumbria Police examine the felled Sycamore Gap tree, on Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. (Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images)

Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ancient and iconic landmark that dates back to the Roman Empire. It was named after one of Rome’s “Five Good Emperors,” Hadrian, who had visited what is now the United Kingdom.

The wall separated Caledonia – a portion of what is now Scotland – from Roman Britain. Construction on the wall began in 122 A.D.

LONDON POLICE FORCE PLEDGES TO REFORM FOLLOWING REPORT ACCUSING DEPARTMENT OF RACISM, MISOGYNY, HOMOPHOBIA

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage in connection to the incident. (Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images)

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

“I hope this second arrest demonstrates just how seriously we’re taking this situation, and our ongoing commitment to find those responsible and bring them to justice,” the official added.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Hadrian’s Wall, England, United Kingdom. (Hoberman Collection/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The tree was cut near the base of its trunk, so it could technically grow back at a much smaller size. Experts predict that it will grow back to be eight feet tall.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share

Recent Posts

China’s billion-dollar footprint near Florida coast poses US national security risk, expert warns

close Video Bahamas used as a 'springboard' of illegal migrants: expert Rear Admiral Peter Brown,…

43 minutes ago

New England serial killer fears: Rhode Island police search for ‘clandestine graves’ amid string of deaths

close Video Rhode Island police search for 'clandestine graves' amid New England serial killer fears…

43 minutes ago

Inside the elite police unit that’s quietly thwarting terror attacks

close Video Retired LAPD Lt. praises NYPD as global model for combating domestic terror Retired…

43 minutes ago

Missouri firefighter paramedic dies after being stabbed in ambulance by patient: ‘Unfathomable crime’

close Video Fox News Sunday - Sunday, April 27 Ukraine-Russia, Trump 100, Border crisis A…

43 minutes ago

Pope Francis’ tomb opens to visitors at Roman basilica, as 200K attend special Mass at St Peter’s Square

close Video Pope Francis' tomb opens to visitors at Rome's St. Mary Major Basilica The…

7 hours ago

Cousin of infamous fraudster ‘Crazy Eddie’ out to bring down Trump nemesis NY AG Letitia James

close Video Notorious Crazy Eddie fraudster says he's at war with NY AG Letitia James…

7 hours ago