A chainsaw was seized today at a barn in Northumberland in connection with the felling of the Sycamore Gap Tree.
Police investigating the felling reportedly discovered the power tool in an outhouse at Plankey Hill Farm, just eight miles from the site of the tree.
The lumberjack who used to live on the farm, Walter Renwick, has denied any involvement in the crime.
The Sycamore Gap Tree, about 300 years old and 70ft high, stood on Hadrian’s Wall and was one of the most photographed trees in the world.
It was felled on the night of September 27. A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage on Thursday in connection with the incident and has since been released on bail.
The 69-year-old lumberjack told the Daily Mail on Friday: “It was a lovely tree, an iconic tree, but I mean to go up there and cut that down, I’m not that stupid.
“It makes it sound like me, doesn’t it, because it was a good cut. It was dark obviously but it was a lovely moonlit night. The cut was brilliant.”
He said he had seen the cut on the internet and that the chainsaw which has since been discovered “hasn’t been used for ages.”
Mr Renwick was arrested in connection with the incident on Friday and was released on bail yesterday as the investigation continues.
It is reported the chainsaw was put in a plastic bag and covered with “police evidence” tape.
The police investigation continues. The Express contacted Northumbria Police for an updated comment.
