Pro-palestine graffiti sprayed on Cenotaph
PRO-PALESTINE protesters graffitied a war memorial in Rochdale in an ‘unacceptable’ act of vandalism, with police launching an investigation.
Police officers cordoned off and guarded the Rochdale Cenotaph after two incidents at the war memorial, saying the memorial was a ‘crime scene’ on Tuesday night (November 7).
An incident on Monday (November 6) led to two teenagers, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, charged with intentionally or recklessly causing public nuisance.
But the response to the second incident, which was reported shortly after 4pm on Tuesday and saw ‘Free Palestine’ graffitied on the memorial, is ongoing. Greater Manchester Police did not provide any further details.
The Rochdale memorial was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who also designed the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London, which is the site of the National Service of Remembrance every November.
A Rochdale Council spokesperson said: “This is totally unacceptable and is also being investigated by police. The graffiti will be removed as soon as we are able to.
“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.”
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 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.”
Anyone with information about Tuesday’s incident in Rochdale is asked to contact GMP quoting 1294 07/11/23 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.