A 20-year-old man has been taken into custody following reported damage to tributes erected in memory of victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. The suspect was arrested by Greater Manchester Police on suspicion of criminal damage and burglary offences after witnesses reported him vandalising items in the AO car park and Manchester Victoria railway station at 15:40 GMT on Sunday. Along with the tributes, damage to glass was also reported, as was a damaged traffic cone.
Described by police as “disgusting” and “unacceptable”, the incident involving damage to tributes took place just moments before a Remembrance Service of the second anniversary of the bombing that took place last year. Victims’ families have since been informed of the incident and officers have called for anyone with information to come forward as enquiries continue.
Highlighting the particularly upsetting nature of the vandalism, Det Supt Sarah Harris, who is leading the investigation, has reassured the public that police are working hard to establish the circumstances of the incident. She added that she was pleased with the quick action taken in the arrest. No further suspects are being sought in connection with the incident.
Greater Manchester Police has since indicated that the damaged tributes have been respectfully cleared and the affected area tidied. The force is confident that it will be able to bring the situation to a swift and just conclusion, with local authorities intensifying their commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the community
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