Police have arrested three people following the graffiti and smashing of windows at a café in Bolton last month.

The Starbucks on Blackburn Road, Astley Bridge, was targeted last month.

The graffiti read “Free Gaza” and “Killers.”

It is understood the incident took place at around 6.45pm midweek while the store was still open.

The cafe had been targeted in a separate incident before this.

(Image: Shaun Hill)

Following this police have arrested three people.

A police spokesperson said: “Neighbourhood officers have arrested three people in connection with the criminal damage at Starbucks on Blackburn Road on June 13.

“The have been released on bail for further enquiries.”

The graffiti related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

But Starbucks has stressed it left Israel in 2003 after two years.

It also said it does not provide any support to the country or its military.

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The incident was one of several incidents of criminal damage in Bolton which related to the Middle East conflict.

Earlier in June the Barclays in the centre of town was heavily damaged and daubed with red paint as part of a nationwide campaign against the bank.

On that occasion, windows were smashed and Palestine Action claimed responsibility.

A number of branches of the store were targeted nationally at the time.

(Image: Shaun Hill)

In the aftermath of the incident at Starbucks Cllr Hilary Fairclough said police had responded quickly.

She said: “Our local Starbucks had the windows smashed and red paint thrown at the front of the premises.

“Police attended very quickly and are working hard to identify the offenders."

A Starbucks spokesperson said at the time : "The safety of our partners (employees) and customers is our highest priority and we will continue to work closely with local police as investigations continue.”