Two teenagers have been arrested after “Free Palestine” was spray-painted on the Cenotaph in Rochdale ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

Greater Manchester Police said the two males were detained on suspicion of causing racially aggravated criminal damage in connection with an “incident” at the memorial on Tuesday.

They currently remain in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Round said: “The Cenotaph means a lot to the community in Rochdale and the recent incidents have been deeply upsetting, particularly at a time when we should be honouring the memory of war veterans.

“I want to assure the public that Greater Manchester Police is taking the incident very seriously, and we have been working with partners to carry out swift arrests.”

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He said officers were still appealing for information and asked anyone with information about the incident to contact police or the charity, Crimestoppers.

Two teenagers, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were also charged with intentionally or recklessly causing public nuisance in relation to an incident at the Cenotaph in Rochdale on Monday.

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