Police investigating 'anti semitic attack' at Prestwich office block

Thursday, 15 May 2025 16:59

By Adam Clark

Police are investigating following an incident where a Prestwich office block has been covered in red paint and graffiti.

Greater Manchester Police says it was called to reports of criminal damage at the building on George Street shortly before 4am this morning.

Palestine Action has claimed responsibility for the incident at Rico House, which is owned by a Jewish company and leases out offices inside to businesses that include a jeweller and a property management firm.

The group said:

"After a targeted campaign, Somerset Council "relinquished" their ties to Israel's biggest weapons firm by selling off Elbit's Bristol HQ.

"The new landlords of the Israeli weapons epicentre were just targeted in Manchester by Palestine Action."

Images from the scene show extensive red paint damage covering the entranceway and walls of the building. Smashed glass can also be seen on the floor outside the building.

White graffiti could also be seen on the building with, 'Happy Nakba Day' written on the building.

The Nakba, or 'catastrophe' in Arabic, refers to the widespread displacement and dispossession of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, commemorated each year on May 15 as Nakba Day.

Bury South MP, Christian Wakeford, says an attack of this nature can never be tolerated:

"I'm deeply troubled to have learned that last night there was an attack on a property in the heart of the Jewish community in my constituency.

"The attack saw antisemitic graffiti targeted towards the Jewish owners of the building and those Jewish businesses who use the building.

"Antisemitism can never be tolerated.

"The local authorities are aware and investigating the matter. I want to reassure all my constituents that any hatred, towards any community in Bury South can never be justified, at any level."

Palestine Action says it also targeted the BNY Mellon Bank in Edinburgh and the Elbit Systems factory near Bristol this morning.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said:

"Shortly before 4am this morning (Thursday, May 15), we were called to reports of criminal damage at a building on George Street, Prestwich.

"The scene has now been processed and closed, but officers continue to conduct further enquiries. Anyone with information should call us on 101 quoting log 316 of May 15, 2025."