Tiny traces of oil left on stump of Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian’s Wall could help police crack case of who chopped it down, forensic scientists reveal
- Forensic experts believe a chemical ‘fingerprint’ could have been left on stump
Tiny traces of oil left on the stump of the Sycamore Gap tree could help police in their hunt for the person who chopped it down, forensic scientists have revealed.
The sycamore, which stood in a dip along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland for 300 years, had been one of the world’s most photographed trees until it was chopped down in an act of senseless vandalism overnight on September 27.
The destruction of the iconic tree, which was famously featured in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, has understandably caused anger, confusion and heartbreak among locals – and detectives are hunting for new clues.
Former lumberjack Walter Renwick, 69, and a 16-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage but they were later released on bail.
In the latest twist to the Sycamore Gap mystery, it has been reported that forensic scientists are searching tree samples for traces from the chainsaw’s oiler, which may have left a chemical ‘fingerprint’.
Tiny traces of oil left on the stump of the Sycamore Gap tree could help police track down the person responsible for felling it, forensic scientists have revealed
Floral tributes have been left on the stump after the tree was felled in an act of vandalism, police said
In the latest twist to the Sycamore Gap mystery, it has been reported that forensic scientists are searching tree samples for traces from the chainsaw’s oiler, which may have left a chemical ‘fingerprint’
The oil lubricates the chain to stop it from overheating and seizing up. And forensic experts have shed new light on how a unique blend of oil could help uncover the saw used to cut down the tree.
Dr Angela Gallop, one of the UK’s most experienced forensic scientists who helped to convict two of Stephen Lawrence’s killers, told The Times that traces of oil left on the stump from the chainsaw could help with finding the saw which was used.
She added: ‘When topping up machinery with different types of oils, you might add one type of oil with another type of oil with slightly different chemical components, and build up a chemical ‘fingerprint’.’
Another source told the newspaper that farmers often try and save money by using engine oil to lubricate the chain. They added it was possible that the feller could have used a popular brand such as Husqvarna or Stihl.
‘Or perhaps a blend of both might be found, giving a unique forensic makeup,’ they added.
Amid the outcry from locals, politicians and environmentalists, detectives are looking at charges for felling the tree without consent, while it emerged earlier this week that they are probing some damage caused to Hadrian’s Wall – a heritage site – which could bring harsher sentences.
The investigation has been hampered by a lack of CCTV and witnesses as it was carried out in the remote area in the night. This is why Northumbria Police is hoping to find answers though forensic expertise, despite lack of research in the area for trees.
The sycamore, which stood in a dip along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland for 300 years, was one of the world’s most photographed trees – but it has now been reduced to a stump
Officers hope that sawdust and tree particles will have been left on the feller’s tools or clothing which could be linked back to the tree. Pictured: Forensic officers examine the tree
The Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian’s Wall is seen on the ground after it was felled last month
Officers hope that sawdust and tree particles will have been left on the feller’s tools or clothing which could be linked back to the tree.
It comes after bailed former lumberjack Walter Renwick declared his innocence as he returned home to a farm where police found a large chainsaw.
Mr Renwick, who was due to be evicted the day the felled tree was found, was seen back at Plankey Mill Farm last week after being taken into custody, with pictures and video showing him standing topless outside a caravan on the property.
Officers spent three days scouring an adjoining property that Walter Renwick was evicted from last week.
And minutes before the former lumberjack turned up they confiscated a 3ft chainsaw and other possible evidence.
He was bailed on Sunday afternoon and was driven back to his campervan where he declared his innocence, shouting: ‘I know I’m f****** innocent, right, and that’s all I need to know.’
Mr Renwick has vehemently denied being responsible for the downing of the 300-year-old tree and seemingly said the saw was proof that he was completely innocent.
Despite the outcry that followed the tree’s felling, experts believe that it is from down and out and the stump is very much alive.
The tree was made famous in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves
Over the decades the iconic view has become the backdrop for countless marriage proposals
Jo Clark, Head of Research at non-profit The Future Trees Trust, told MailOnline: ‘Broad-leaf trees such as sycamore, ash, oak, hazel, chestnut readily grow back from a cut stump, especially when young.’
When a tree is cut back to a stump and survives, it can coppice, resulting in a number of thin trunks will growing from the base rather than a single large trunk.
Mr Clark says that it is ‘highly possible’ that the Sycamore Gap Tree will coppice, provided the regrowth can be protected from the local deer population which might otherwise eat it.
However, even if the tree does survive in this way, it will never regrow into the same stately form that inspired tourists and film makers alike.
Earlier this week, it emerged that a 1,000-year-old tree which dates back to the Battle of Hastings was mysteriously uprooted in a ‘suspected felling’ – just a week after Sycamore Gap Tree was cut down.
The 40ft yew tree stood in a privately owned field near Uckham Lane, Battle, a mile from Senlac Hill.
Speculation has mounted about how it had been toppled, with some suggesting the tree was deliberately cut down while others say it could have been knocked over by recent strong winds.
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