A war memorial is currently being ‘guarded by police’ this evening after being vandalised with ‘free Palestine graffiti’.
The cenotaph, at the Esplanade in Rochdale, had its poppies stripped by vandals yesterday. Now, it has today seen graffiti reading ‘free Palestine’ sprayed onto the memorial, which Rochdale Council have called a ‘totally unacceptable’ act that is now being investigated.
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The memorial is currently being guarded by Police Community Support Officers this evening, as well as an increase in local police patrols following the spate of incidents.
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. The graffiti will be removed as soon as we are able to.
“As we said in our initial response – 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.”
This is a live incident. Updates to follow.
19:51Nicole Wootton-Cane
More pictures from the scene tonight
19:38James Holt
Video from the police scene tonight
19:12Key Event
Rochdale Council issue statement on ‘unacceptable’ act of vandalism
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. The graffiti will be removed as soon as we are able to.
“As we said in our initial response – 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.”
19:09James Holt
Pictures from the police scene this evening
19:05Key Event
“We will not tolerate this criminal disrespect” says Chief Superintendent Nicky Porter
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.”
19:04James Holt
Police confirm memorial is being ‘guarded’ following spate of incidents
The memorial is currently being guarded by Police Community Support Officers, enhancing previous protection provided by CCTV operators and passing patrols.
It follows two incidents at the Cenotaph – one yesterday (Monday 6 November 2023) and one today (Tuesday 7 November 2023).
An investigation into the first incident has resulted in two teenagers being charged with intentionally or recklessly causing public nuisance. They cannot be legally identified, due to their ages.
The response to the second incident, which was reported shortly after 4pm today, is ongoing. Whilst the Cenotaph is currently a crime scene, it will be restored to normality as soon as possible.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
