Police have launched an investigation after a 'Hitler' moustache was painted on Andy Burnham campaign posters. The Greater Manchester Mayor is Labour's candidate in the upcoming Makerfield by-election.
Vandalism Incident
Large campaign banners reading 'Vote Andy For Us' have been erected across the constituency in recent weeks as the hotly-contested by-election reaches polling day on June 18. However, shortly after 11pm on Sunday (June 14), a man appeared to be seen painting a black moustache — identical to that of Hitler — on one of the two posters, which were both defaced with the paint.
One of them was situated in Hindley Green, along Atherton Road beside the home of Labour councillor for the ward James Palmer. It is understood to have since been cleaned off.
CCTV Footage
CCTV footage now shared with the M.E.N appears to show an unknown man with a thin extended paint roller walking up to the campaign poster in Hindley Green before then appearing to paint on it. The two incidents were reported to Greater Manchester Police. The force said they have begun investigating but provided no further details.
Coun Palmer said: "It's unacceptable that he thinks it's OK to brazenly walk to the banner and deface it, to vandalise the image of a popular politician with the trademark of the most vilified dictator in the history of the world. It says everything about the politics of the people he supports."
Previous Incident
It comes days after Mr Burnham hit out after a video of a man was shared online showing him pulling down campaign signs and putting them in the back of a van. A Labour source told the Manchester Evening News: “There are often disagreements in politics, but that should happen amicably. It’s disappointing that someone has seemingly attempted to disrupt democracy in this manner, and it’s right that this is investigated.”
