A town centre bank has issued a statement after its windows were smashed and paint was daubed on the wall and thrown inside the premises, which is believed to be linked to the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict.
Barclays in Bolton town centre on Market Street off Victoria Square was targeted in the early hours of today.
The cash point outside has also been smashed.
Crime scene investigators have been at the scene this morning and a cordon remains in place.
Nationally, there have been protests outside Barclays banks in recent months with people calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.
After this morning’s incident, Barclays believe the incident is related to the ongoing conflict.
In a statement issued to The Bolton News, a spokesperson for Barclays said: “We provide vital financial services to US, UK and European public companies that supply defence products to NATO and its allies.
"Barclays does not directly invest in these companies. The defence sector is fundamental to our national security and the UK government has been clear that supporting defence companies is compatible with ESG considerations.
"Decisions on the implementation of arms embargos to other nations are the job of respective elected governments.
“The safety of our customers, colleagues and local community is our priority and we would ask that those expressing their views stop short of criminal damage to our facilities, which puts people’s safety at risk.”
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "At 2.54am this morning (Monday, June 3), we were called following reports of criminal damage and red graffiti over a building on Market Street in Bolton.
"No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing."
The incident comes just days after two Barclays banks were also covered in paint in Manchester City Centre.
Branches were targeted and had parts of their glass fronts shattered, while red paint was thrown over both premises.
Police have not yet confirmed if this is related.
It is unknown how long the cordon will be in place.
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