Two boys aged just 13 have been arrested in connection with the anti-Semitic race hate attack on the Jewish Cemetery in North Manchester.
The young boys were arrested on Friday on suspicion of committing a racially aggravated public order offence, but were bailed until July 25 pending further enquiries.
The hate crime – which saw 40 graves pushed over and Nazi swastikas scrawled over headstones – has been blasted by religious leaders and left those affected in pain and shock.
Inspector Mike Reid said: “As you might expect this crime caused an outcry within the local community.
“Such mindless criminal damage will not be tolerated in our communities and our aim is to ensure those responsible are identified, charged and brought to justice in due course.”
More than 60 graves were damaged at Blackley Jewish Cemetery; many were ripped from the ground and covered in racial slurs.
A clean-up operation took place at the cemetery on Sunday, around 100 people from the local community came together to restore the cemetery to its former glory.
The headstones will take longer to repair and will the costs for repairs will fall on the families affected to try and rectify the horrendous damage caused.
Extra patrols have been in place in the area to act as a deterrent for any further hate crimes and to provide a visible presence for concerned residents.
Inspector Reid said: “Residents have been fully supportive and cooperative of our investigation and, as a direct result of their assistance, we have been able to make these two arrests.
“I want to stress that this investigation is at an early stage and we of course continue to appeal to anyone with information about those responsible for this appalling crime to call us.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of Mark Healey with thanks
