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PA
The Salisbury Magna Carta is the best-preserved copy of the original charter made in 1215
Police have arrested a man trying to steal a Magna Carta from his display at Salisbury Cathedral.
Alarms went off after the suspect smashed holes into the glass box which protects the valuable document on Thursday at about 17:00 BST.
The 45-year-old is being held on suspicion of attempted theft, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon.
The Magna Carta, police said.
The suspect had been taken to Melksham police station where he is being questioned.
The Magna Carta is a charter of rights by King John of England in 1215. It is considered one of Britain's most influential legal documents.
Only four original copies exist and Salisbury Cathedral is home to the best preserved version.
A spokeswoman for the cathedral said: "We can confirm that at the end of the afternoon, we are in the middle of the house.
He was arrested by police shortly afterwards and taken into custody.
"We are very relieved that the Magna Carta itself is undamaged.
"We are very grateful to all who are dealing with the situation so swiftly and effectively."
What is Magna Carta?
Magna Carta outlined basic rights with the principle that the king
It charted the right to a fair trial
It has a number of other documents, including the US Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Only three clauses are still valid – the one guaranteeing the liberties of the English Church; the clause confirming the privileges of the city of London and other towns; and the clause that states that it does not have to be judged
The British Library has two copies of the 1215 Magna Carta
Source: The British Library
She added that the Magna Carta would not be available to visitors as soon as possible.
The Salisbury copy went on display in 2015 in the 13th-century Chapter House at the cathedral.
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Wiltshire Police
The Magna Carta was not damaged in the suspected smash and grab attempt
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PA
The document is displayed at Chapter House at the cathedral
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PA
There are four original copies of the Magna Carta, one of which is on display at Salisbury Cathedral
