Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian's Wall cut down by 'vandals'

Police are investigating the deliberate felling of one of the UK's most iconic trees, which appears to have been cut down in an act of vandalism.

The landmark at Sycamore Gap, beside Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, was apparently cut down overnight.

Northumberland National Park Authority officials believe the tree, known as Robin Hood's Tree, was "deliberately felled" and asked people to stay away.

Photographer Ian Sproat said his "heart was ripped out" when he saw the damage.

The National Trust said it was "shocked and saddened" to learn about what "appears to be an act of vandalism".

General manager Andrew Poad said the sycamore had been "an important and iconic feature in the landscape for nearly 200 years".

Northumbria Police said it was investigating whether any criminal offences had been committed.

The tree, which featured in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, grew in a natural dip in the landscape near Hexham and was awarded Tree of the Year in 2016.

Mr Sproat said he "drove straight over" from North Shields when he found out it had been toppled.

"I was gobsmacked, anger set in and now sadness," he said.

"My heart was ripped out."

"They have just destroyed a part of the North East," the 42-year-old continued.

"It's like cutting down the Tyne Bridge or the Swing Bridge - it's just as monumental

"It's a living thing. I keep asking myself, 'why would anyone do this":[]}