Fury as pro-Palestinian supporters deface Rochdale war memorial before Armistice day with police now standing guard at monument

Police are standing guard in Rochdale tonight after the town’s war memorial was daubed with ‘Free Palestine’ graffiti – just days before Armistice Day.

Locals have expressed their outrage, with many blaming pro-Palestine supporters in the area, with the monument repeatedly targeted in recent days.

Vandals stripped Remembrance Day poppies from the cenotaph at the Esplanade in the town centre yesterday.

And earlier this week, a man was filmed removing Palestinian flags from the monument and propping up wreaths which had been thrown to the ground.

Police tape has been pictured around the monument this evening and Community Support Officers are standing guard, adding to already increased patrols following the spate of incidents.

Police are standing guard in Rochdale tonight after daubed the town’s war memorial with ‘Free Palestine’ graffiti

Police tape has been pictured around the monument this evening and Community Support Officers are standing guard

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council said of the incident tonight: ‘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.’

Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for comment. 

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