Anti-Semitic thugs trash headstones at Jewish cemetery in Manchester
Police hunting vandals who committed 'sickening' racial attack and urge anyone with information to come forward
POLICE are hunting vandals after a string of Jewish headstones in Greater Manchester were destroyed in racially motivated attacks.
Officers described the smashing of 14 head stones in Blackley Jewish Cemetery in Charlestown as a "sickening" and "abhorrent" crime.
They were called to reports of damage at the graveyard at around 3.45pm yesterday.
When they arrived they found the head stones had been knocked over and smashed. Police are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the vandalism or has information regarding it to come forward.
Chief Superintendent Wasim Chaudhry from GMP's North Manchester Division said: "This has been recorded as a hate crime because of the clear racial motivation and, should we find those who committed this cowardly act, which will allow the courts to impose even harsher punishments."
He added: "This is a sickening act of criminal damage which we are taking very seriously.
"I believe this was a deliberate and targeted attack and there is no place for such abhorrent behaviour in our communities.
"All decent members of the public recognise that 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.
"So to have those graves desecrated in such a disgusting and disrespectful way will no doubt cause immeasurable anguish to the families and loved ones affected..
"I cannot begin to get into the mind of someone who would commit such an atrocity. I know this will cause a lot of anxiety and distress in the local community and we as police officers and my colleagues at Manchester City Council share that distress.
"We will do everything we can to find out who is responsible and bring the full force of the law down on them."
Police are now urging anyone who has information regarding the incident to help them in their investigations.
Chief Superintendent Chaudhry also asked the local community to stand strong with the police against anti-Semitism.
He said: "We have put in place extra patrols in the area which I hope will act as a visible deterrent and provide some additional reassurance for any concerned residents, we are also working closely with our partner agencies to investigate the matter.
"I am convinced, that with the help of the local community we will identify those responsible.
"Ultimately the people of Great Manchester need to stand together and say no to hatred of this kind which seeks to divide and cause distress within our communities.
"Someone will know who is responsible and I would urge those people to do the right thing, do the decent thing.
"Think how you would feel if it was the grave of your loved one which was damaged. I am sure you would want justice so please, think of those are suffering and speak to us, in confidence if needed."
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