A Barclays branch in Bolton was vandalized early Monday morning, with its windows smashed and red paint spread across the building. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. at the bank located at the intersection of Market Street and Hotel Street. Greater Manchester Police responded but no arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing.
This attack follows similar incidents at Barclays branches in Bradford and Manchester, claimed by the protest group Palestine Action. The group alleges that Barclays invests in Elbit Systems, an Israeli weapons manufacturer, a claim Barclays has denied. Barclays stated that they trade shares of listed companies based on client instructions and do not directly invest in Elbit Systems.
Photos from the scene show extensive damage to the bank's storefront, including shattered windows and paint covering interior walls and equipment. Palestine Action has shared images of the vandalism on social media, reiterating their demands for Barclays to cease its alleged financial ties to Israeli defense firms.