Bolton Council's leadership and opposition came together in their condemnation of the attacks on businesses across the borough in recent weeks.

Nick Peel, leader of the council, and Martyn Cox, leader of the Conservative Group, said the attacks were unacceptable at a meeting last week.

On June 3, a Bolton Barclays was struck by Pro-Palestine protest organisation Palestine Action in the town centre and, around a week and a half later, a Bolton Starbucks was struck by unknown vandals on Blackburn Road, Astley Bridge.

Both of these businesses were smashed up and splattered with paint in a protest at their alleged support for Israel in the Israeli-Palestinian War.

(Image: Henry Lisowski)

Cllr Cox said: "Most important of all is the impact of this level of violence on those who work on these premises. What are they supposed to think when they return to these premises? Maybe next time it is carried out while they are at work. 

"If they are prepared to carry out acts of violence against property, how long is it before they carry out acts of violence against people as well?"

Cllr Peel said: "People have a right to express their opinion and as long as it does not clash with any other UK law which protects property or people all should be able to express their opinion on a range of issues.

"It is not acceptable, it is never acceptable, for an opinion to be expressed through acts of violence."

(Image: Henry Lisowski)

The Bolton Barclays and Bolton Starbucks targeted this month are among a number of branches of these businesses to be targeted both in Greater Manchester and across the country.

Both of these businesses reject any suggestion of any support for Israel in the Israeli-Palestinian War.

Cllr Peel added: "Bolton's cohesion is being challenged and we must protect our people and put the rights and responsibilities of our 'Bolton Family' at the forefront of everything we do.

"This is our first duty as a council and as councillors."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.