Northumbria Police announces two more arrests over the Sycamore Gap Tree

Northumbria Police have made two additional arrests yesterday over the cutting down of the Sycamore Tree, the force announced in a statement.

A full investigation was launched after the Sycamore Gap Tree was felled overnight between September 27 and 28 in what police believe was a deliberate act of vandalism.

A range of enquires have been going ever since, with the support of partners, as officers work to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the damage and identify anyone involved.

Yesterday (Tuesday), officers arrested two men, both in their 30s, in connection with the incident.
They have both since been released on police bail as enquires continue.

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies, of Northumbria Police, said: “The loss of Sycamore Gap has been felt deeply across the community as well as further afield.

“As a Force, we have seen many touching tributes from those who have detailed what this iconic landmark meant for them personally and for our region.

“We’ve been working tirelessly to identify anyone responsible and bring them into police custody and we are committed to getting justice.

“I hope this recent wave of arrests demonstrates just how much work has been undertaken by our dedicated specialist teams in what has, so far, been a very difficult and complex investigation.”

Det Ch Insp Fenney-Menzies added: “As always, we would continue to encourage any members of the public with information which may assist to get in touch – if you’ve seen or heard anything suspicious, we’d like to know.

“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.”