Protestors daub Manchester University in red paint

Shocking pictures show Manchester University’s 137-year-old museum daubed with blood-red paint - in the shadow of a pro-Palestine student camp.

The museum, which dates back to 1887, was heavily vandalized across its frontage with vibrant emulsion in the early hours of this morning (Monday).

Photos showed the university's ancient sandstone Queen’s Arch, designed by famed architect Alfred Waterhouse, was also daubed with the distinctive pigment.

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

The defaced building is just opposite a large encampment of Pro-Palestine supporters, who are staging an occupation in solidarity with the war-ravaged nation.

The pro-Palestine demo - which started at uni campuses in the US - have recently sprung up at about a dozen universities across the UK, including Manchester.

Protestors say they're urging the institutions to fully disclose investments, cut academic ties with Israel and divest from businesses linked to Israel.

In November, the uni issued a statement denying it had any involvement with the Israeli defence sector.

A spokesperson said of today's vandalism: “In the early hours of the morning, 13 May, the University and Manchester Museum were subject to an act of criminal vandalism.

“If you are coming on to campus today, you may see that there has been some criminal damage primarily to the 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.

"Meanwhile, specialist paint removal contractors have been called and will be dealing with the damage as soon as possible. The Museum will be open as usual.”

The vandalism comes after pro-Palestine groups claimed they were responsible for similar protest acts involving putting red paint on buildings with links to Israel.

In October last year, the Express Buildings in Manchester, the former headquarters of the national newspapers, was vandalized with red emulsion by Palestine Action.

Greater Manchester Police has been contacted for comment.