In England, a 16-year-old boy has been arrested for allegedly felling the Sycamore Gap sycamore tree next to the historic Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built 1,900 years ago to protect the northwestern edge of the Roman Empire's border.

The sycamore maple in Northumberland National Park in northern England has been standing for around 300 years and is Britain's most photographed tree. The popular landmark became famous after appearing in the 1991 Kevin Costner film. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves remained to be seen.

According to authorities, the tree was intentionally felled in an “act of vandalism.” The Northumberland National Park Authority confirmed that the iconic Sycamore Gap tree was felled on Thursday evening. “We are working with relevant authorities and partners who have an interest in this North East landmark and will provide further details as they become available.”

Superintendent Kevin Waring, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a world-famous landmark and today's events have caused great shock, sadness and anger in the local community and beyond. As our investigation is still at a very early stage, we are still unbiased.”

The National Trust, which owns the land, said it was “shocked and saddened” by the felling of the tree, which was named England's Tree of the Year at the 2016 Woodland Trust Awards.

Andrew Poad, director general of the National Trust, said he did not know who was responsible for felling the tree: “It's part of the DNA of this area, that's what I'm struggling with. I don't see the logic in that, without realising what happened.

The National Trust said it would collect seeds and cuttings from the tree. Poad said: “It's a sycamore tree so the stump might try to grow back but of course it won't be the same.”