Barclays Bolton temporarily closed after targeted 'criminal damage'

This comes after the branch on Market Street, off Victoria Square, was heavily damaged and daubed with red paint as part of a wave of Pro-Palestine protests against the bank.

Pictures show the Barclays Bolton branch with shattered windows after the incident just before 3am on Monday (June 3).

Barclays Bolton has had its windows smashed and paint thrown at it (Image: Phil Taylor)Vandals daubed the outside walls and interior of the branch with paint - which was smeared across TVs and marketing material.

Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the attack on the branch.

In a statement to The Bolton News, Barclays confirmed the branch will remain closed in the coming days and apologised for any inconvenience.

A spokesperson for Barclays said: “We are still assessing the damage and the Bolton branch will remain closed today and for the next few days to allow remediation works to be completed.

“We apologise for any inconvenience to customers, and we can confirm that both Mosley Street and Market Street branches in Manchester will re-open tomorrow.

“Customers can also access full banking services at the Bury branch.”

Speaking about the incident yesterday, a Palestine Action spokesperson said: "Broken windows and red paint is incomparable to the Palestinian blood spilt and the destruction of Gaza, which Barclays continues to profit from.

Bolton Barclays in the dark (Image: Milo Chandler)“Banks cannot get away with murder and when all else fails, it's up to the people to ensure humanity is upheld.

“Palestine Action will continue to act until the bank divests from Israel's biggest weapons firm, Elbit Systems."

GMP have confirmed that no arrests have been made but their enquires are ongoing.