Police guarding war memorial in Rochdale
It's after the words 'Free Palestine' were graffitied on it
Last updated 8th Nov 2023
Greater Manchester Police have been guarding a war memorial in Rochdale overnight, after the words 'Free Palestine' were graffitied on it.
This is the second incident at the Cenotaph this week.
An investigation into the first incident on Monday 6th November has resulted in two teenagers being charged with intentionally or recklessly causing public nuisance. They cannot be legally identified, due to their ages.
Rochdale Borough Council said the second incident is totally unacceptable: "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."
Health Secretary, Steve Barclay, said: "It's outrageous to have graffiti on a Cenotaph.
"It's something that people quite rightly, including myself, feel extremely strongly about because the right to protest, the freedoms that we have, are freedoms that we have as a result of the sacrifice that people made in giving their lives.
"It's something people, I think, will be very upset to see."
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.”
The graffiti at the Cenotaph has now been removed.
Anyone with information about the incident yesterday (7 November) should contact Greater Manchester Police quoting 1294 07/11/23. Anonymous reports can be made via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.