Man released on bail following an attempt to steal the Magna Carta in Salisbury

Credit: Wiltshire Police

Wiltshire Police have released a man on conditional bail after he was arrested on suspicion of attempted theft of the Magna Carta.

Shortly before 5pm on Thursday 25th October, the alarms at Salisbury Cathedral were activated after an attempt to smash the glass box protecting the ancient manuscript.

The historic documents were not damaged and nobody was injured during the incident.

The 45-year-old man has been bailed until November 20th but as part of his conditions he is not allowed to enter the cathedral or the wider Cathedral Close.

Salisbury Cathedral say they'll be reviewing security after the attempted theft Credit: ITV West Country

Police are keen to speak to anyone who was at the cathedral at the time of the incident.

They ask people they've not already spoken to to get in touch on 101 and quote crime reference number 54180101438 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.