17-05-2025
‘It's made everyone feel uneasy':Shock after office targeted in ‘anti-Semitic attack'
Residents have reacted in horror after a vandalism attack on an office block in Prestwich.
In the early hours of Thursday, May 15, the peace of the George Street area in Sedgley Park was shattered when Rico House, an office block, was targeted.
Police said an investigation has been launched after red paint was daubed extensively across the front of the building. The words 'Happy Nakba Day' were painted onto the building.
Palestine Action has claimed responsibility for the incident.#
READ MORE: Prestwich office block daubed with red paint in 'Anti-Semitic' attack
Barclays on Central Street, Bury, smashed and covered in red paint
It claims the office block is home to the 'Manchester-based landlords' of Israeli arms firm Elbit Systems. Greater Manchester Police says it was called to reports of criminal damage at the building shortly before 4am on Thursday, and enquiries are ongoing. As well as the attack on Rico House, Palestine Action says it also targeted the Elbit Systems factors in Filton, near Bristol, and the office of BNY Mellon bank, in Edinburgh, this morning.
George Street
In contrast to other similar incidents, Rico House was targeted at a building surrounded by family homes. The Local Democracy Reporting Service visited George Street on Thursday.
The quiet, leafy street, in the heart of Prestwich's Jewish community is mostly residential and the sound of young families enjoying the sunshine in their gardens could be heard.
Bury's Council leader, Eamonn O'Brien said he was 'deeply upset' to see 'anti-Semitic attacks on Jewish businesses in our borough'.
Those views were echoed by people passing by the building on Thursday.
Without exception, those approached did not want their names publishing.
One man, in his 50s, said: 'It's shocking and really disappointing. Surely we're better than this.
'Global issues are now coming to the doorstep of our community.
'There's a better way to protest and a better way to get your point across.'
Another man, 79, who lives in nearby Kersal, said: 'It's makes everyone in the community feel more uneasy. 'I know it's targeting property rather than people but it's not nice to see.
'It's deeply unpleasant and worrying.' A man leaving Rico House through its damaged front door would not comment, saying the attack on the building 'had already been made public'.
Cllr O'Brien, added: 'I would like to reassure our Jewish community that we stand with them against these sorts of attacks and will do all we can to ensure an end to division and hate in our borough. 'I have asked that the council work closely with the police and request an increase in patrols in the area.'
The actions have been condemned by community representatives, include the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity which provides security to the UK's Jewish communities.
A spokesperson for CST said: 'CST is appalled by the vile paint attack against a mainly Jewish office block in North Manchester. 'We have been working closely with the police and the location, doing our utmost to help identify the anti-Semitic vandals and to give security support.'
Christian Wakeford MP, Labour MP for Bury South, has also condemned the attack. 'I'm deeply troubled to have learned that last night there was an attack on a property in the heart of the Jewish community in my constituency,' he said. 'The attack saw anti-Semitic graffiti targeted towards the Jewish owners of the building and those Jewish businesses who use the building.
'Anti-Semitism can never be tolerated.
'I want to reassure all my constituents that any hatred, towards any community in Bury South can never be justified, at any level.'
A GMP spokesperson said: 'We were called to reports of criminal damage at a building on George Street, Prestwich.
'The scene has now been processed and closed, but officers continue to conduct further enquiries. '
Anyone with information should call us on 101 quoting log 316 of May 15, 2025.'
Nakba Day commemorates the displacement of Palestinians on May 15, 1948, the day which followed the Israeli Declaration of Independence.
