Monument vandalism condemned
ANDY Burnham says the ‘appalling’ attack on the Rochdale war memorial is being investigated ‘as a matter of urgency’ as police continue to guard the monument which was sprayed with graffiti.
The Cenotaph, at the Esplanade in the town centre, had ‘free Palestine’ daubed onto it on Tuesday (November 7). It follows another incident on Monday.
An investigation into the first incident has resulted in two teenagers being charged with intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance.
They cannot be legally identified, due to their ages.
A probe into the second incident, which was reported shortly after 4pm on Tuesday, is ongoing.
The monument was cordoned off on Wednesday as officers carried out enquiries and workers cleaned it.
Rochdale Council said staff would check again in the morning and ensure that any remaining traces not visible in darkness are cleared.
Greater Manchester Police’s Rochdale division said the memorial had now been ‘returned to normality’ with the nation marking Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday this weekend.
They say will ‘continue to monitor the area’ and ‘will be looking to put lasting measures in place over the coming hours and days.’
Officers could be seen still guarding it on Wednesday afternoon.
GMP have told the Observer that no arrests had yet been made.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester Mr Burnham, inset above, said the chief constable has assured him officers were urgently trying to identify those responsible for the ‘appalling’ and ‘disrespectful’ act.
Mr Burnham said: “We unreservedly condemn the disgraceful vandalism of the cenotaph in Rochdale town centre and damage to wreaths laid in respect around it. “The Chief Constable has assured us that this appalling act is being investigated as a matter of urgency with a view to identifying the person or persons responsible.
“Our cenotaphs across Greater Manchester record the names of people who gave their lives fighting tyranny and oppression. Nothing justifies the desecration of their memory.
“As a city-region which prides itself on support for our armed forces, we will have extra vigilance around our memorials over coming days and take firm action against anyone perpetrating this kind of disrespectful act.”
Last night, Chief Superintendent Nicky Porter, GMP Rochdale district commander, said: “We join communities across Rochdale in being deeply saddened by the incidents at the Cenotaph - the memorial is a particularly poignant reminder of those who have given their lives to our country, particularly at this time year.
“We will not tolerate the criminal disrespect of the town’s Memorial Gardens and I hope the action we have already taken in response to these two incidents reassures our communities of that. Whilst the area is regularly monitored by CCTV operators and passing patrols, the partnership is working to sustain increased protection at this time.
“We have Police Community Support Officers at the scene at the moment and we will be looking to put lasting measures in place over the coming hours and days.
“We don’t underestimate the impact these events will have on our community of veterans, and I will be personally engaging with them and other community groups throughout this week.”
A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council said: “On the afternoon of Tuesday 7 November graffiti was sprayed on the Cenotaph.
“This is totally unacceptable and is also being investigated by police.
They continued: “We are proud of our strong links with our armed forces community.
“Our war memorials and monuments are incredibly important and should be respected by everyone at all times.”