I am a former lumberjack but you’ve got the wrong feller – I didn’t chop down World famous Sycamore Gap tree
A LUMBERJACK accused on social media of chopping down one of the UK’s most famous trees yesterday insisted: “You’ve got the wrong feller.”
Walter Renwick, 69, says he was wrongly identified online as the prime suspect behind the senseless vandalism — and it’s left him stumped.
The felling of the 300-year-old landmark at Sycamore Gap in Northumberland sickened the nation.
Cops are investigating and the prone 70ft tree was taped off as locals began their own manhunt.
Even Walter’s brother had his doubts and rushed over to ask his sibling if the rumours were true.
The pensioner said he understood why he was identified as a possible culprit.
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He had spent his career felling trees and even had a motive after being evicted last week from the nearby home he grew up in.
But he insists online sleuths are barking up the wrong tree and vowed: “I didn’t do it.”
Walter added: “I am a former lumberjack and I have just been kicked off my property, so I can see why people have pointed the finger.
“My brother came down to make sure I hadn’t been arrested as he had heard the rumours. It’s very sad. It’s an iconic tree.”
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He went on: “But it was the perfect night to do it. There was a full moon so it would have been well lit and the wind would have meant there was barely any sound.
“Trees have their own DNA and you can use the dust to track down which tree was felled, so it’ll be easy to find who did it.”
The search for the chainsaw-wielding culprit continued last night after a 16-year-old lad arrested in the aftermath was released on bail.
One source said it was possible a disgruntled worker had struck.
White paint was used to mark the trunk where an initial directional cut was made to ensure it fell a certain way.
It was then toppled with a single cut from a chainsaw.
The iconic tree sat along Hadrian’s Wall roughly halfway between Newcastle and Carlisle and was among the most photographed in the world.
Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness: said: “That tree was ours. It was an iconic North East landmark standing tall in our beautiful Northumberland.
“Officers will do their utmost to catch whoever is behind this.”
Tonight, cops arrested a man in his 60s in connection with the felling.
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Detective chief inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies, of Northumbria Police, said: “I hope this second arrest demonstrates just how seriously we are taking this situation, and our commitment to bringing those responsible to justice.
“Any members of the public with information which may assist should get in touch.”
