Narrow Escape for a Precious Document

Man arrested after allegedly smashing glass case holding Magna Carta
Posted Oct 26, 2018 8:00 AM CDT
Magna Carta's Case Gets 3 Hammer Holes
Hammer holes in the glass case that housed the Magna Carta, at Salisbury Cathedral after a 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of its attempted theft, in Salisbury, England, Friday Oct. 26, 2018.   (Ben Birchall/PA via AP)

A narrow escape for a precious historical document: Police in England say a 45-year-old man is in custody after allegedly using a hammer to smash holes in a protective glass case housing the best preserved of the four surviving original Magna Cartas. The Thursday incident at Salisbury Cathedral was part of a suspected effort to steal the prized charter of rights signed by King John in 1215, report the BBC and Salisbury Journal. The document kept at the cathedral was undamaged and has been removed from display temporarily. The unnamed suspect is being held on suspicion of attempted theft, criminal damage, and possession of an offensive weapon. (The four Magna Cartas were united for the first time in 2015.)

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