Detectives make an arrest as investigation into a burglary at a university building progresses

Shortly before midnight on 1 November 2024, we received a report of a burglary at a university building on Oxford Road, Manchester. A bust of Chaim Weizmann and a bust Harold Baily Dixon were stolen, these were later defaced on Social Media.

Officers attended and liaised with the university and their security team as part of their ongoing enquiries. Since the burglary, we have trawled and reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and explored digital forensic opportunities. Local officers have been out speaking with the university community, members of the public and key partners to support our investigation and provide reassurance to those people who have been affected.

This morning (8 November 2024), we have arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of aggravated burglary. He remains in custody ahead of being questioned by detectives.

Alongside the arrest, officers have been out conducting two search warrants in Greater Manchester. We have a team of specialised detectives who continue to work hard behind the scenes to apprehend those responsible.

Detective Chief Inspector Jill Billington, said: “We know that this incident has caused considerable distress across the community, many of which have come to Manchester to work and study.  

“We understand that this has caused upset and unrest and we know that the shockwaves are being felt much wider than the local student community.

“We will always take incidents of this nature very seriously and we have been working with partners around the clock, and I am pleased to say that this morning we have made an arrest.

“This is only the first step, there is much more work that is happening behind the scenes to apprehend all  those involved”

“I hope the latest action reassures our communities and sends a message to those intent on committing these types of criminal acts. It’s not acceptable and is not tolerated in Greater Manchester.

“We are continuing to appeal for information and ask anyone who may have seen something suspicious to contact us as a matter of urgency, please don’t assume we already know this information."

An investigation is underway and anyone with any information is asked to contact police via 101 or gmp.police.uk, quoting log 4035 of 01/11/24.

A public portal has been set up for those who have information or footage to submit this directly to us here: Public Portal

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.