A war memorial in Rochdale was vandalized with "Free Palestine" graffiti, leading to police guarding the cenotaph to prevent further damage.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) condemned the vandalism as "criminal disrespect," and Rochdale Council described it as "totally unacceptable." Pro-Palestinian protests have been taking place worldwide since the Israel-Gaza war began.
With Armistice Day approaching, there are concerns about potential desecration of war memorials, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has issued a warning in this regard.
In addition to the graffiti incident, poppies were also removed from the cenotaph in a separate act of vandalism. Police community support officers have been deployed to protect the memorial.