Man arrested over 'attempted theft' of Magna Carta from Salisbury Cathedral by ‘smashing glass case with hammer’

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “They then held onto him with hands behind his back whilst they picked up the hammer – lots of people around started to come over “The men really did a good job.” The suspect, whose name has not yet been made public, was arrested shortly afterwards on suspicion of attempted theft, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage. Handout photo issued by Wiltshire Police of the damaged box holding the Magna Carta in Salisbury Cathedral No damage was done to the ancient text, which formed the basis of modern justice and human rights, and has been described as the most important document in the world. A police spokesman said: “A 45-year-old man is in custody this morning arrested on suspicion of attempted theft of Magna Carta. “Shortly before 5pm yesterday alarms were activated at Salisbury Cathedral after an attempt was made to smash the glass box surrounding the Magna Carta.