Sycamore Gap, next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, was felled overnight (September 27). 

Northumbria Police is investigating the 'vandalism' of one of the UK’s most photographed trees and people across the UK shared their devastation at the loss.

Guy Opperman, Member of Parliament for Hexham, Tynedale and Ponteland, said: "Sadly, it is true that the iconic tree at Sycamore Gap has been deliberately cut down overnight.

"It is too early to speculate who did this appalling act, but this is criminal damage, and an attack on one of the nation's most famous trees. Many people across Northumberland will have their own special memory of Sycamore Gap. I was here only ten days ago.

"Northumbria Police are very much involved, and I am in regular contact with the Northumberland National Park Authority to find out how this has happened. This was not an act by any of the official organisations who are responsible for Hadrian's Wall, the World Heritage Sites, or the National Park, who are all devastated."

The leader of Northumberland County Council also expressed his shock and anger at the felling of the tree at Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall.

Council leader Glen Sanderson said: “Today is a very sad day for our county. I am finding it difficult to express the shock, anger and hurt I feel at the destruction of this iconic landmark.

“The Sycamore Gap tree has stood for centuries and is known throughout the world. For it to be felled in what is clearly a deliberate act is absolutely terrible and I’m sure I speak for everyone in the county when I say how upset I was when I heard the news this morning.

“We will of course be supporting the Northumberland National Park and all other agencies to see what can be done going forward, but at this time all I can do is share in the sadness caused by this apparently senseless act of vandalism.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20230928-0295.