Graffiti yobs deface wall of city’s cathedral
VILE graffiti was daubed on Manchester Cathedral on the eve of a special service paying tribute to members of the emergency services.
Police are treating it as a religiously-motivated hate crime.
Profanity-laden and derogatory remarks about Jesus and the bible were scrawled on the east wall of the cathedral in marker pen.
Other offensive, non-religious words were scribbled on the stone.
Bosses say CCTV footage shows two or three boys and a girl with their hoods up writing on the wall.
Yesterday, the cathedral hosted the inaugural Festival of Thanks for the emergency services. Church leaders said the graffiti was ‘distressing and upsetting’ to those who saw it.
It is now in the process being painted over.
The Dean of Manchester said it was ‘incredibly disappointing’ someone had defaced the landmark.
“It’s very unfortunate,” Rogers Govenders added. “It is very upsetting. “We were hosting the first national service for members of the emergency services and I was worried they might see these vile things.
“It was definitely very distressing for those who found it and who have seen it.
“I just think it is sad we live in times where someone would deface a place of worship, and especially one that does so much community outreach work.
“I very much hope the culprits are caught and brought to justice.”
Officers have asked anyone with information to come forward.
Call police on 0161 856 3221.