A man has been arrested after a ‘disgusting’ campaign of damage on tributes left for the victims of the Manchester Arena bomb attack – which killed a Scots 13-year-old.
Police received reports of a man damaging property around the AO car park at Manchester Victoria at 3.40pm on Sunday, including breaking glass and a traffic cone. Damage was also reportedly done to tributes left for the victims of the tragic Manchester Arena bomb attack which killed 22 people in May 2017 in what officers called a ‘disgusting’ incident, reports the Manchester Evening News.
A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and burglary. He remains in custody for questioning, with the area since being respectfully tidied, and the families of the victims informed of the incident.
The 2017 terror attack tragically took the life of Scots schoolgirl Eilidh MacLeod, 13, after evil Salman Abedi targeted revellers at an Ariana Grande concert. The youngster was described as having a “zest for life” and an “infectious laugh”, forever being remembered by all those who knew and loved her from the Isle of Barra.
The 22-year-old terrorist, who died during the attack, exploded his shrapnel-packed rucksack bomb, sending thousands of nuts and bolts which shredded everything in their path.
Eilidh’s father Roderick spoke previously about her talents in the pipe band, saying: “She was growing into a lovely young woman with this fantastic gift she was able to express herself with.”
Whilst she was described as a “quirky” girl who “wasn’t hard to love” by her mother Marian. Her aunt Margaret said she was “a blonde-haired, green-eyed bundle of fun with perfect quips, one-liners and an infectious laugh”.
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 via 101 or gmp.police.uk, quoting log 2049 of 24/11/24.”
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletter here.