UK: Man held after Magna Carta theft attempt

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) - A man has been arrested after he attempted to steal a copy of Magna Carta -- a significant document in British history -- from Salisbury cathedral, British police said Friday.

“A 45-year-old man is in custody this morning arrested on suspicion of attempted theft of the Magna Carta,” a statament from Wiltshire Police said.

The incident took place on Oct. 25, shortly before 5 p.m. local time [1600GMT] and alarms were activated” after an attempt was made to smash the glass box surrounding the Magna Carta,” according to the police.

“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,” police statement said.

The Magna Carta has not been damaged and nobody was injured in the incident, police also said.

The priceless historic document, which was signed by King John in 1215, lays out rights agreed with rebel barons and it is seen the foundation of civil rights in the U.K.

Two other copies of the Magna Carta are currently at the British Library and another one at Lincoln Cathedral.