Greater Manchester Metro Mayor, Andy Burnham has spoken out via a statement following a vandalism attack on a cenotaph in Rochdale, warning that anyone found to be perpetrating this kind of disrespectful act will receive firm action. The cenotaph in Rochdale was spay painted with the words Free Palestine during the second attack on the monument within a few days, police had previously arrested and charged two teenagers on Monday for recklessly causing public nuisance. Neither of which can be legally identified due to their age. The attacks have forced the police to guard the cenotaph. The statement reads: “We unreservedly condemn the disgraceful vandalism of the cenotaph in Rochdale town centre and damage to wreaths laid in respect around it. “The Chief Constable has assured us that this appalling act is being investigated as a matter of urgency with a view to identifying the person or persons responsible. “Our cenotaphs across Greater Manchester record the names of people who gave their lives fighting tyranny and oppression. Nothing justifies the desecration of their memory. "As a city-region which prides itself on support for our armed forces, we will have extra vigilance around our memorials over coming days and take firm action against anyone perpetrating this kind of disrespectful act.” The graffiti has since been removed and the monument to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation is now being guarded by community support officers.