A former British Museum employee has been arrested after allegedly breaking in and shutting down the museum’s security and IT systems.
The person – who had recently been fired – “trespassed” at the venue and was arrested at the scene, the museum said.
Part of the London attraction’s permanent collection was closed on Friday, while temporary exhibitions will remain shut over the weekend.
A spokesman said on Saturday: “An IT contractor who was dismissed last week trespassed into the museum and shut down several of our systems. Police attended and he was arrested at the scene.
“We are working hard to get the museum back to being fully operational but with regret our temporary exhibitions have been closed today and will remain so over the weekend – ticketholders have been alerted and refunds offered.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Police were called on Thursday 23 January at 20.25 to reports that a man had entered the British Museum and caused damage to the museum’s security and IT systems.
“Police swiftly attended and arrested a man in his 50s at the scene on suspicion of burglary and criminal damage. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.”
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In August 2023, the museum revealed around 1,500 treasures worth millions of pounds were missing, or had been stolen or damaged.
Hundreds of items have since been returned, including from collectors around the world.
Some of the recovered artefacts, including ancient gems, went on display last year.
