An MP has spoken out against hateful vandals after a swastika was sprayed onto the mural of UFC fighter Tom Aspinall. The offensive symbol was etched onto the iconic wall art of the mixed martial artist on Market Street in Atherton.
MP for Leigh and Atherton, Jo Platt, took to social media to condemn the act of vandalism, describing it as 'utterly disgusting'. Opting not to show an image of the spray paint, Platt praised the work of a local artist and her office staff for quickly removing the material and restoring the mural.
MP's statement on the vandalism
Jo Platt MP said: "The discovery of a swastika sprayed onto the Tom Aspinall mural in Atherton is utterly disgusting and has no place in our community. The swastika is a deeply offensive symbol of antisemitism, hatred and intolerance, and we must stand united in condemning it wherever it appears.
"I have deliberately chosen not to share images of the vandalism itself. Instead, I'm sharing how the mural looks now after it was cleaned up today. I'm incredibly grateful to KELzO Graffiti Street Artist for working with my office and Atherton South and Lilford - Labour councillors to get this addressed so quickly."
Community response and cleanup
Platt added: "Their swift action ensured this symbol of hate was removed promptly and reaffirmed what our community stands for. Atherton is stronger than those who seek to divide us. We stand firmly in solidarity with our Jewish community and with everyone affected by hatred, antisemitism and extremism."
The mural has since been restored, with the offensive symbol removed.
