Veterans have been left “distressed” after a “reckless” fire was started in a bin next to a war memorial, leaving the ground damaged. Police have launched an investigation into the arson attack, which comes just days before Remembrance Sunday. Greater Manchester Police said wooden pallets were set alight close to the Cenotaph in Marple, Stockport, on Wednesday, with fire officers attending the scene. In response, the force has ramped up patrols in the area.
Police Sergeant Rachel Walton said: “This was a reckless act that could have ended with more damage and even serious injury. Police units arrived on scene within minutes, and the fire was quickly extinguished by colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. We are working closely with partners at Stockport Council and the fire service to ensure the area is cleaned and restored.
“We want to identify the individuals responsible, and we will have extra, high-visibility patrols in the park each evening leading up to the Remembrance Day service on Sunday, November 9.”
She added: “The Cenotaph means a lot to the community and incidents like this are deeply upsetting, particularly at a time when we should be honouring the memory of our war veterans.”
Paul Doyle, co-founder of Veterans for Veterans, has said the offence has left concern that “such extremist behaviour could embolden others”.
“As a Manchester-based organisation supporting Veterans for Veterans, the UK’s largest military claims company, we are deeply shocked and saddened to hear that a war memorial has been targeted here in our own city,” he told GB News.
“This shameful act of disrespect towards those who served our country has caused real anger and distress within the veteran community.
“It also raises serious concerns as we approach Remembrance Sunday, a day when families and veterans gather peacefully to honour the fallen.”
Mr Doyle, who is a former Grenadier Guard, added: “We fear that such extremist behaviour could embolden others and pose a threat to these important and solemn commemorations that mean so much to so many.”
Greater Manchester Police has appealed for anyone with information about the arson attack to get in touch.
