South Manchester mural vandalism investigation continues

We're continuing to investigate the vandalism of a mural in Withington in the aftermath of England's loss in Sunday's European Championship final.

At around 2.50am this morning (Monday 12 July 2021), police were called to reports of the racially-aggravated damage of a mural on Copson Street in Withington.

The damage was removed and the mural was restored by its artist in the following days, as an investigation was launched by detectives from our City of Manchester South division.

While the content of the vandalism is not believed to be of a racial nature, officers are keeping an open mind as to the motive behind defacing the artwork.

Investigators have been conducting several lines of enquiry including CCTV and forensic evidence from the spray paint used, results for which are expected to be returned in the coming weeks.

No arrests have been made and we continue to appeal to members of the public for any information they may have from Sunday night into Monday morning.

Superintendent Richard Timson, district commander for GMP's City of Manchester division, said: "On Monday morning when we saw the damage done to the mural in Withington we were all left appalled, and we stand with the rest of the community whose solidarity against this vile abuse ever since has really shown the best of our city.

"The person responsible for this knows who they are and we believe there will be others who also suspect the identity of this offender, and I therefore urge anyone with such information to get in touch to help progress our enquiries at speed."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4973 quoting incident 453 of 12/07/2021. Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.