Women seen climbing revolving doors of Aviva office and setting off flares in pro-Palestine protest

Paint was daubed on the building while flags were raised and flares were let off during the demonstration

Two women were arrested after they were seen climbing revolving doors and setting off flares at the Aviva office in Manchester city centre on Tuesday (March 11).

Officers were called out to The Observatory on Chapel Walks, off Cross Street, which is home to Manchester's office for the Aviva insurance company to reports of a protest at the building at around 7.20am.

Images from the protest showed two women had climbed above the office entrance with Palestine flags and a banner which read 'AVIVA PALESTINA'.

Red flares were set off sending smoke into the air as the building was daubed in pink, white and yellow paint. The pair, whose actions have been since been claimed by Palestine Action, were later arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

Palestine Action claimed that Aviva has links to the Israeli weapons firm Elbit Systems, although it does not have direct shares in the company. The campaign group has previously targeted Barclays and BNY Mellon premises across Manchester in the past year, during the recent conflict in Gaza.

A GMP spokesperson said: "Two women have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after our officers were called to Chapel Walks, Manchester city centre, responding to reports of a protest at around 7:20am this morning. Both remain in custody for questioning."

An Aviva spokesperson added: "We have had some disruption at our Manchester office this morning (Tuesday, March 11). Our first priority is to ensure the safety of our people.

"We will not tolerate any criminal behaviour towards our people or property and will take appropriate legal action. This has not impacted our service to customers."