Two more people have been arrested and bailed in connection with the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland in September.
The iconic 300-year-old tree - which was hugely popular in the area and had featured in TV and film - was deliberately felled overnight between 27 September and 28 September.
Two men, both in their 30s, have been arrested and bailed by Northumbria Police, a representative confirmed.
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Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies 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.
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“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."
In the immediate aftermath, a 16-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the incident.
The boy was arrested ‘on suspicion of criminal damage’ but police urged the public to provide any information they might have.
Police Superintendent Kevin Waring said that the destruction of the tree had caused ‘significant shock, sadness and anger throughout the local community and beyond’.
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The tree is well beloved in the area in England’s north, sitting right beside Hadrian’s Wall.
It featured Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman, but was also loved by walkers and those enjoying the countryside.
In a statement after it was discovered to have been felled, the local park authority said: "Northumberland National Park Authority can confirm that sadly, the famous tree at Sycamore Gap has come down overnight.
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“We have reason to believe it has been deliberately felled."
LJ Ross, who wrote a book called Sycamore Gap, said the incident was ‘terribly sad’.
She wrote: “Terribly sad to hear of the loss of this iconic, beautiful tree, which was the setting for my second book and a source of peace and inspiration to many.
“If this was an act of vandalism, I can only think that the person responsible is deeply unwell.
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“It’s madness.”
Local MP Guy Opperman also added at the time: “Too early to speculate who did it, but this is criminal damage, and an attack on one of the nation’s most famous trees.
“I was here only ten days ago: everyone in shock.
“Police are very much involved, and I am liaising here on the Wall with Northumberland National Park."
Topics: UK News
Tom Wood