Arrest over Salisbury Cathedral Magna Carta theft attempt

A hammer-wielding man has been arrested after an attempted smash and grab of a Magna Carta from its display at Salisbury Cathedral.

Alarms went off when an attempt was made to smash the glass box which protects the charter on Thursday.

The suspect was held on suspicion of attempted theft of the document - claimed to be the best preserved of four original Magna Cartas.

It was not damaged and nobody was injured, police said.

The man was wrestled to the ground by staff when he attempted to flee after the attempted raid at 16:45 BST, the Dean of Salisbury said.

The Very Reverend Nick Papadopoulos added: "He walked out of the Chapter House and tried to leave the cathedral via our work yard and he was detained there and restrained until the police arrived.

"He had been carrying a hammer so our guys were very courageous.

"They were able to restrain him and they held him for 12 minutes."

A silent alarm was activated which alerted staff to the disturbance, he added.

Magna Carta is a charter of rights agreed by King John in 1215. It is considered one of Britain's most influential legal manuscripts.

Several versions were sent around the country "as evidence of the King's decision", according to Salisbury Cathedral's website.

Only four original copies survive today, and the cathedral is home to what is claimed to be "the most beautiful".

The charter has been removed for safe-keeping while the case is refurbished, Dean Papadopoulos said.

A facsimile copy of the charter will be displayed, and the visitor centre will re-open as soon as possible.

The historical document is encased in two glass layers, he added.

"The layer that is closest to the document itself was completely untouched by the individual concerned, but his hammer did do some damager to the initial glass screen."

What is Magna Carta?

Magna Carta outlined basic rights with the principle that no one was above the law, including the king

It charted the right to a fair trial, and limits on taxation without representation

It inspired a number of other documents, including the US Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Only three clauses are still valid - the one guaranteeing the liberties of the English Church; the clause confirming the privileges of the city of London and other towns; and the clause that states that no free man shall be imprisoned without the lawful judgement of his equals

The British Library has two copies of the 1215 Magna Carta

Source: The British Library

The Salisbury copy went on display in 2015 in the 13th Century Chapter House at the cathedral.

A 45-year-old man is being held on suspicion of attempted theft, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon.

He has been taken to Melksham police station where he is being questioned.

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