The famous tree that has stood in Sycamore Gap beside Hadrian's Wall for hundreds of years was found cut down this morning.
The Northumberland National Park Authority and the National Trust believe that the felling of one Britain's most photographed trees, made famous after appearing in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and was "an act of vandalism".
"We are shocked and desperately saddened to learn that the famous Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian's Wall has been felled overnight, in what appears to be an act of vandalism," said the National Trust.
The Northumberland National Park Authority has released a statement saying it “can confirm that sadly, the famous tree at Sycamore Gap has come down overnight. We have reason to believe it has been deliberately felled. We are working with the relevant agencies and partners with an interest in this iconic north-east landmark and will issue more details once they are known."
The Robin Hood tree, as it is also known, has stood for several hundred years and the scenes this morning have sent sadness and shock through the local and wider community.
Local walker Anthony Toole said, "I could not believe this news when I heard it... Sycamore Gap is such a famous and beautiful piece of the Northumberland National Park scenery. Many people come to Hadrian's Wall just to see it and photograph it. I have brought several people here myself...
"I hope a replacement tree will be planted here in the near future. It can never replace the original, but in time I trust it will come to be loved as much."
Northumbrian brewery Twice Brewed Brew Co, who are based close to the site, posted that it was "absolutely gutting this morning" to discover that the tree at Sycamore Gap had been felled.
Northumbria Police have begun inquiries to establish whether any criminal offences had been committed.