Detectives make another two arrests as enquiries continue into burglary from University building

This morning (Thursday 24 April 2025) warrants were conducted in Central and South Manchester where two women, aged 21 and 22 were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

They remain in custody for questioning at this time.

Since the investigation launched following the reported aggravated burglary of statue busts from a University building on Oxford Road, Manchester on Friday 1 November, a total of nine individuals have been detained with seven remaining on police bail.

The items stolen were a bust of Chaim Weizmann and a bust of Harold Baily Dixon, with Weizmann being later publicly defaced. Both were chemistry academics and Weizmann was the first president of Israel.

Detective Chief Inspector Jill Billington said, “Our work continues to identify, disrupt and bring to justice those responsible for this type of criminality across Greater Manchester.

"Today’s arrests show that this investigation, along with many others, are still very much ongoing, and I hope sends a clear and strong message to anyone wishing to involve themselves in direct action that this will not be tolerated.

"The people and the communities of Greater Manchester have a right to come to our city without fear or disruption from these types of offences and we will continue to support and work with our communities and partners who have been victims to this.

“Greater Manchester Police, quite rightly, supports the right for democratic peaceful protest but when these actions cross over into criminality we can, have and will continue to take robust action against those responsible.”

A major incident portal, where members of the public can submit information, CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage of all of these incidents, remains open here. This information has been crucial to our investigations and we wish to thank all those who have assisted so far.

Information can also be provided to us be calling 101, or reporting via our website, or LiveChat. If an incident is ongoing, always call 999.