‘Sickening’ attack on Jewish cemetery in Manchester

A racist attack on Jewish graves at a cemetery in Manchester earlier this week has been branded “sickening” by police.

Swastikas and other anti-Semitic graffiti was daubed on some gravestones in the Jewish Cemetery in Rochdale Road, Blackely, while others were toppled over by the vandals.

“This is a sickening and cruel act of racism,” said Inspector Mike Reid of Greater Manchester Police. “A cemetery is supposed to be a resting place for people who have passed away, a place of sanctity and dignity where families can come and pay their respects. 

“To have those graves desecrated in such an appalling and disrespectful way will cause immeasurable anguish to the families and loved ones affected.”

Reid, who called it “a cowardly act,” said it had been recorded as a hate crime and appealed for witnesses to come forward.