Weizmann taught at the university after moving to England from Belarus in 1904 and became president of Israel in 1948, shortly after the country was established.

Palestine Action said Weizmann had “secured the Balfour Declaration”.

In other incidents around the UK, Palestine Action activists targeted the London offices of the Britain-Israel Communications and Research Centre and the Jewish National Fund.

They also sprayed red paint over buildings at the University of Cambridge.

A University of Manchester spokesperson said it was “aware of footage circulating online following an incident last night at our chemistry building” and had reported it to the police.

In a statement posted on X, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: “I will ask Greater Manchester Police to ensure that there is the fullest possible investigation into this appalling act of vandalism and that those responsible are held to account.”

He added: “I will also support the University of Manchester in reassuring all students and staff, particularly those from the Jewish community, of their safety on campus.”