Outrage after Leigh war memorial is defaced with graffiti

There has been outrage after a war memorial in Leigh was defaced with graffiti last weekend. The cenotaph, on Church Street, had the word 'Keighton' written on its base in red spray paint.

It is understood the incident, that happened at around 4pm on Saturday (September 16), has been reported to the police and that the World War One memorial will now be cleaned.

Councillor Dane Anderton said he was 'saddened' by the incident and slammed the 'appalling behaviour' of those responsible, with CCTV footage also handed to the authorities.

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Coun Anderton said: "It is an incident that saddens me to see in our town and in an act of appalling behaviour. We have contracted a specialist to clean this and CCTV footage has been sent to GMP for investigation. We know this happened on Saturday and we hope those who did this are caught swiftly."

As James Morley, from Leigh and Atherton Independents added: "Leigh Cenotaph was defiled and defaced with graffiti over the weekend. I personally find this act abhorrent and would hope the people involved are brought to book."

Greater Manchester Police did not respond to request for a comment when contacted by the Manchester Evening News about the incident.