Pictures showed how the Barclays Bolton branch, on Market Street, was left with shattered windows after the incident in the early hours of the morning (June 3).
They also showed how vandals had carpeted the outside walls and interior of the branch with paint – which was smeared across TVs and marketing material.
Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the attack on the branch.
(Photo by Phil Taylor)
Crime scene investigators have been at the scene and a cordon remains in place – which has been extended further out.
Palestine Action took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and confirmed they were behind the incident.
A Palestine Action spokesperson said: “Broken windows and red paint is incomparable to the Palestinian blood spilt and the destruction of Gaza, which Barclays continues to profit from.
Barclays in Bolton town centre (Image: NQ)(Photo by Phil Taylor)
“Banks cannot get away with murder and when all else fails, it’s up to the people to ensure humanity is upheld.
“Palestine Action will continue to act until the bank divests from Israel’s biggest weapons firm, Elbit Systems.”
Read more top stories here:
In a statement issued to The Bolton News, a spokesperson for Barclays said: “We provide vital financial services to US, UK and European public companies that supply defence products to NATO and its allies.
“Barclays does not directly invest in these companies. The defence sector is fundamental to our national security and the UK government has been clear that supporting defence companies is compatible with ESG considerations.
“Decisions on the implementation of arms embargos to other nations are the job of respective elected governments.
Barclays Bolton (Image: NQ)“The safety of our customers, colleagues and local community is our priority and we would ask that those expressing their views stop short of criminal damage to our facilities, which puts people’s safety at risk.”
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “At 2.54am this morning (Monday, June 3), we were called following reports of criminal damage and red graffiti over a building on Market Street in Bolton.
“No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.”
Bolton Council leader Nick Peel has said there is no “justification” for this type of vandalism in the town.
He said: “It is obviously an act of criminal vandalism.
“There is no place for this type of vandalism, no matter what the views or justification the perpetrators claim to have.
“There is no place for this type of criminality in Bolton.
“I would hope the perpetrators are caught and brought to justice.”
Nationally, there have been protests outside Barclays banks in recent months with people calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
There have been protests outside the town centre branch previously too.
(Picture Phil Taylor)
And this incident comes just days after two Barclays banks were also covered in paint in Manchester City Centre.
Branches were targeted and had parts of their glass fronts shattered, while red paint was thrown over both premises.
This also comes just a few months after another business was also dubbed with paint back in March.
An office building in St Peter’s House on Silverwell Street was daubed with paint in March.
The words ‘Avnet kills Gazan babies’ were written on the front door and entrance steps – in large white writing – at an office building on Silverwell Street, St Peter’s House.
Bricks could be seen on the floor along with an empty paint jar, and red paint across all of the building, with most of the bottom windows covered in the paint.
If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at [email protected] or DM me on X @chloewjourno.
