Image of the Victoria station tributes in May 2024 (Image: PA)
Detectives are quizzing a 20 year-old man after “disgusting” criminal damage in Manchester Victoria station to tributes left for the 22 victims of the 2017 Arena terror attack.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said that around 3.40pm on Sunday their officers received reports of a man damaging property around the AO car park – part of the AO Arena where the terror attack occurred on 22nd May 2017.
The force said that shortly afterwards “damage was reported to some of the tributes left for victims of the Arena attack.”
A man, aged 20, was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and burglary. He remains in custody for questioning.
Police said the damaged items were subsequently cleaned up and the area was respectfully tidied.
They added that relatives of victims of the terror attack, where suicide bomber Salman Abedi, 22, detonated a home-made bomb in his backpack, have been “contacted by officers regarding the incident.”
Victoria station tributes in May 2024 (Image: PA)
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.”
GMP said in a statement: “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.”
Only last week surviving victims of the Arena terror attack were told they cannot press ahead with a legal claim against M15 – because it was filed too late.
More than 300 people – including the bereaved – had brought cases against the Security Services, claiming the failure to take “appropriate measures” to prevent the atrocity infringed their human rights.
A public inquiry found the ISIS-inspired attack might have been prevented if MI5 acted on key intelligence received about Abedi in the months before the attack.
In a ruling by a specialist tribunal, Lord Justice Singh and Mrs Justice Farbey said the cases against the security services were out of time.