‘Abhorrent’ vandals in cemetery attack
A VANDAL attack at a Jewish cemetery has been condemned by police chiefs as ‘an abhorrent act of hate.’
Greater Manchester Police has now confirmed that damage caused to the cemetery in Whitefield is being treated as a hate crime.
Damage was caused to three separate chapels at Philips Park Jewish cemetery and devastating photos showed extensive damage to an Ohel – a traditional Jewish grave – after it was smashed open.
Two windows and a number of sinks were also damaged and CCTV was stolen from within one of the chapels.
Police said that a full investigation has been launched and enquiries were ongoing.
Officers were called to the cemetery on Old Hall Lane shortly before 9pm on Saturday.
It’s understood the attack happened sometime between noon on Friday and the early hours of Saturday, police said.
Writing on Twitter GMP Assistant Chief Constable Mabs Hussain said: “This is an abhorrent act of hate which took place in the Jewish cemetery in Whitefield, Bury, yesterday. “Officers are supporting the local community and all efforts will be made to arrest those responsible. “Someone will know who did this.” Superintendent Paul Walker, from GMP’s Bury division, said those involved stole the CCTV system in a ‘clear attempt to cover their tracks.’ Police are working alongside the Community Security Trust (CST), which works to protect and support Jewish people. Supt Walker said: “We have launched an investigation and whilst the CCTV has been destroyed by the offenders - clearly in an attempt to cover their tracks - I can assure you that we have a team of dedicated officers working to piece together exactly what happened in an attempt to find those responsible. “I understand that this incident will have caused distress to many members of our community and we are working alongside our partners, including Community Security Trust, to ensure that those affected are fully supported. “We are treating this incident as a hate crime and I want to send a clear message that incidents of this nature will never be tolerated in our communities. “I would encourage anyone with any information to get in touch as soon as possible.” GMP Assistant Chief Constable Mabs Hussain
The grave is believed to have belonged to a former Manchester Rabbi, according to the Jewish Telegraph.
North-west Rabbi, Shmuli Brown, condemned the attack, calling the vandals ‘cowards.’
Call police with any information on 0161 856 8172 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.