A man has been arrested after the iconic pagoda was vandalised at Manchester's Chinatown in the early hours of yesterday morning, Tuesday (June 21). The structure was found smashed up, with red wooden gates left badly damaged and broken.
The structure is now closed for repairs to be carried out. The incident is thought to have occurred between 1am and 3am on Tuesday morning, with council city centre spokesperson Pat Karney saying those at fault have 'let Manchester down'.
Greater Manchester Police has since confirmed that one male, aged in his 20s, has been arrested today (Wednesday) on suspicion of causing damage and theft. Pictures show the extent of the damage caused after the incident.
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Speaking to the Manchester Evening News previously, Coun Karney said: “It’s mindless vandalism on one of the most iconic structures in Manchester. Without those safety fences it’s unsafe, so we’ve had to close it.
"They have let Manchester down. That arch is much-loved not just by the Chinese community, but the whole city as well.”
It was first thought that four ornamental carvings had been stolen, which had been imports from China, however three were later recovered. Greater Manchester Police's city centre division shared a plea on Tuesday with a picture of the remaining stolen ornament, appealing for information.
The structure, first installed in the 1980s, is something of a hub for the community, according to one business owner. David Law has owned the Arts and Craft gift shop opposite it since the late-1980s.
He told the MEN: “I have been since the late 80s, we have seen this arch and pagoda being built back in the 80s and over the decade you see vandalism and antisocial behaviour gatherings. It is not good. It is a tourist attraction, so it’s just heartbreaking to see it in this state.”
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