A man has been arrested on suspicion of trying to steal a Magna Carta from Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire Police said.

The 45-year-old is accused of trying to smash a glass box that contains the Medieval document dating back to 1215.

Alarms were activated at the cathedral and the police were called shortly before 5pm on Wednesday.

Wiltshire Police said in a statement: "A man matching the description given by witnesses was arrested on suspicion of attempted theft, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage, and has been taken to Melksham custody for questioning, where he remains.

"The Magna Carta has not been damaged and nobody was injured in the incident."


Image: The document is kept in a glass box in Salisbury Cathedral. File Pic

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The Magna Carta, Latin for "Great Charter", is one of the most important documents in English history.

The document of reforms was agreed to by King John at Runnymeade, near Windsor, during a time of political crisis in medieval England.

Only four copies of the Magna Carta remain, and Salisbury Cathedral claims to have the best preserved original manuscript, taken there in the days after being sealed at Runnymede.

In a statement, Salisbury Cathedral said: "We are very relieved that no one was hurt during the incident and that the Magna Carta itself is undamaged."

The statement added that the copy has been removed from display but will be available to view "as soon as we can".

Anyone with information should call Wiltshire Police on 101 quoting the crime reference number 541800101438. Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.