Police investigate after vandalism at Manchester Museum

Police are investigating after the entrance and walls of Manchester Museum and the quad archway at the University of Manchester were daubed in red paint. Both buildings are Grade II listed.

The incident happened in the early hours of 13 May, according to a statement from the university.

The university says it has CCTV footage of the incident and has called in specialists to deal with the damage as soon as possible.

In a statement, it said: “In the early hours of the morning, 13 May, the University and Manchester Museum were subject to an act of criminal vandalism.

“If you are coming on to campus today, you may see that there has been some criminal damage primarily to the Manchester Museum and Queens Arch, with paint sprayed over part of the building early this morning.

"We have CCTV footage of the incident and are working with Greater Manchester Police who are investigating the incident. Meanwhile, specialist paint removal contractors have been called and will be dealing with the damage as soon as possible. The museum will be open as usual.”

The autonomous group, University of Manchester Action for Palestine, has claimed responsibility on social media for the action.

It comes amid widespread student protests in the UK and US against the Israel-Gaza war.

A tent encampment has been erected in the University of Manchester’s Brunswick Park to protest against the institution’s ties to the arms manufacturer BAE Systems and universities in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

A spokesperson told the media that the camps members were not responsible for the incident. “We take no responsibility for this action," said the spokesperson.

"However, it does show that more and more students believe that action is more urgent than ever.

“This action from outside the camp exposes the University of Manchester’s complicity in genocide and that it is covered in the blood of Palestinians.”

The university’s staff union has issued a statement supporting the student encampment.