The leader of Bolton Council has said there is "no place" for vandalism in the town as Barclays bank was targeted.

People heading to work in the town centre this morning were shocked to find glass had been smashed all over the business and red paint had also been poured.

The incident is in response to the ongoing middle eastern conflict with the Palestine Action Group admitting responsibility.

The Bolton News: The incident took place at Barclays

But Cllr Nick Peel, council leader, has said there no place for this in Bolton.

He said: "It is obviously an act of criminal vandalism.

"There is no place for this type of vandalism, no matter what the views or justification the perpetrators claim to have.

"There is no place for this type of criminality in Bolton.

"I would hope the perpetrators are caught and brought to justice."

Read more: Barclays bank vandalised

Read more: Barclays issues statement as branch targeted

Read more: Group behind Barclays incident release statement

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."

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.”