"Leave our Cenotaph alone": Reactions from ‘shocked’ residents as war memorial vandalised by pro-Palestine graffiti

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Residents in Greater Manchester have said to be left in “horror” following the graffiti of a war memorial in Rochdale. Pro-Palestine protestors graffitied the Cenotaph in Rochdale in an “appalling” attack on Tuesday (7 November) which is being investigated “as a matter of urgency”, says Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.

The words “free Palestine” have since been washed from the Rochdale monument with Greater Manchester Police’s Rochdale division saying it was a "return to normality", but reactions from locals remain as strong as ever.

As she passed the Cenotaph, Susan stopped to take in the scene. The 75-year-old said: “It’s shocking. My initial reaction was horror - it saddens you right through. READ MORE: Vile man attacked women at tram stop, in Morrison's car park and on the bus in terrifying 30 minute rampage READ MORE: Police issue statement after ex-officer admits trying to murder woman in Manchester hotel “It’s disrespecting those who have died.

It’s sacred to us and to our grandfathers who died for us all. They shouldn’t be attacking that. I think it’s cowardly.” Choking up, she added: “Leave our cenotaph alone - it’s our heritage.” Yesterday, 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 of year.” In response, GMP has placed Police Community Support Officers at the scene, intending to put lasting measures in place to protect the memorial.