Manchester University’s 137-year-old museum is decked out in blood-red paint, opposite site of pro-Gaza student camp

• The Manchester Museum is directly opposite the site of the student protest in Brunswick Park

Shocking photos show Manchester University’s 137-year-old museum covered in blood-red paint, right across the street from a pro-Palestine student camp.

The Manchester museum, which dates back to 1887, had its facade heavily vandalized in the early hours of this morning.

Photographs showed the university’s distinctive Queen’s Arch, designed by renowned architect Alfred Waterhouse, defaced with spray paint.

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the damage, but the University of Manchester said it had handed over CCTV footage to police, who are now investigating the incident.

The Grade II listed building is directly opposite a large camp of pro-Palestinian supporters in nearby Brunswick Park.

The pro-Palestine demonstration – which started on US university campuses – has recently appeared at around a dozen UK universities, including Manchester.

Click here to resize this module

Protesters say they are urging the institutions to fully disclose investments, sever academic ties to Israel and withdraw from Israel-related business.

In November, the university issued a statement denying any involvement with the Israeli defense sector.

A spokesman said of today’s vandalism: “In the early hours of the morning of May 13, Manchester University and Museum was subjected to an act of criminal vandalism.

“If you come to campus today you may see that there has been some criminal damage mainly to Manchester Museum and Queens Arch with paint sprayed over part of the building early this morning.

“We have CCTV footage of the incident and are working with Greater Manchester Police who are investigating the incident.

“In the meantime, specialist paint removal contractors have been called in and will deal with the damage as soon as possible. The museum will be open as usual.

The vandalism comes after pro-Palestinian groups claimed responsibility for similar acts of protest involving the application of red paint to buildings with ties to Israel.

Last October, the Express Buildings in Manchester, the former headquarters of the National Newspapers, was vandalized with red emulsion by Palestine Action.

MailOnline has contacted Greater Manchester Police for comment.