Officers secure arrest following damage to tributes at Manchester Victoria

A man has been arrested following reports of criminal damage in and around the Manchester Victoria station area.

At around 3.40pm yesterday (24 November 2024), officers received reports of a man damaging property around the AO car park, including breaking glass and a traffic cone.

Shortly thereafter, damage was reported to some of the tributes left for victims of the Arena attack.

Officers responded and a man, aged 20, was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and burglary. He remains in custody for questioning.

The damaged items were subsequently cleaned up and the area was respectfully tidied. Relatives of victims of the attack have been contacted by officers regarding the incident.

Detective Superintendent Sarah Harris, from GMP’s Manchester district, said: “Criminal damage and behaviour that disrupts the lives of people going about their daily business is never acceptable. The fact that this incident involved damage to tributes to victims of the arena attack is particularly disgusting, and is something that we have zero tolerance for.

“I want to reassure the public that we are working hard to establish the circumstances and I am glad a quick arrest was made.

“We are not looking for anyone else in connection with our work and enquires are ongoing. If you saw anything or believe you may have information that could assist our investigation, I would urge you to contact police via 101 or gmp.police.uk, quoting log 2049 of 24/11/24.”