Rochdale Cenotaph: Two teenagers charged after "emotional distress" caused by damage ahead of Remembrance Day

Greater Manchester Police have charged two teenagers with criminal damage to the Cenotaph in Rochdale.

One male has been charged with racially aggravated criminal damage, whilst the other male has been charged with racially aggravated criminal damage and theft. Both have been released on bail. They cannot be named due to their age.

The arrests relate to an incident at the Cenotaph which took place on Tuesday. That and other events, led to officers guarding the monument in the run up to Remembrance Day.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Round said: “I hope the swift charges provide some reassurance to the public that our investigation is moving at pace. I understand the emotional distress that has been caused in the local community by the damage to the Cenotaph and our team of detectives will continue working tirelessly to hold those responsible to account.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact GMP by calling 101 quoting incident 1294 of 07/11/23. Anonymous reports can be made via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.