Two arrests over Cenotaph graffiti
TWO teenagers have been arrested after the Rochdale Cenotaph was vandalised.
The memorial, at the Esplanade in the town centre, had ‘free Palestine’ daubed onto it on Tuesday (November 7).
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said two males have now been arrested on suspicion of causing racially aggravated criminal damage.
They are both currently in police custody for questioning.
The monument was being guarded by police on Wednesday (November 8) following the incident, which was reported shortly after 4pm on Tuesday.
Police confirmed it had been cleaned and ‘returned to normality’ ahead of Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday this weekend.
In a statement issued this morning confirming the arrests, Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Round said: “The Cenotaph means a lot to the community in Rochdale and the recent incidents have been deeply upsetting, particularly at a time when we should be honouring the memory of war veterans. I want to assure the public that Greater Manchester Police is taking the incident very seriously and we have been working with partners to carry out swift arrests.
“I hope the latest action reassures our communities and sends a message that criminal damage towards war memorials will not be tolerated.
“We are still appealing for information about these events and ask that reports be made by contacting 101 quoting incident 1294 of 07/11/23.
“Anonymous reports can be made via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Rochdale Council and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham both described the incident as ‘appalling’ in the
aftermath, residents
whilst local Observer of their shock told the and upset.