Palestine Action activists have released a statement after Barclays Bank in Bolton town centre was targeted in the early hours.

A police cordon remains in place around the bank after windows were smashed and paint was thrown at the building.

A branch in Bradford was also targeted overnight.

The group, which describes itself as a direct action network of groups and individuals, say the action was in protest against the bank investing in Israel's largest weapons firm - Elbit Systems.

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. Banks can not 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."

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A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "At 2.54 am this morning (Monday, June 3), we were called following reports of criminal damage and red graffiti over a building on Market Street in Bolton.

"No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing."

The incident comes just days after two Barclays banks were also covered in paint in Manchester City Centre.

In a statement issued to The Bolton News, a spokesperson for Barclays said: “We provide vital financial services to US, UK and European public companies that supply defence products to NATO and its allies. 

"Barclays does not directly invest in these companies.​ The defence sector is fundamental to our national security and the UK government has been clear that supporting defence companies is compatible with ESG considerations.

"Decisions on the implementation of arms embargos to other nations are the job of respective elected governments.

“The safety of our customers, colleagues and local community is our priority and we would ask that those expressing their views stop short of criminal damage to our facilities, which puts people’s safety at risk.”