Police are appealing for witnesses after Congleton Pride banners were tampered with in the town.

One banner was pulled down on the evening of Wednesday 28 July near Aldi on Mountbatten Way.

Another banner located by the A34 near the ambulance station was also damaged sometime between 6pm on 31 July (Saturday) and 8am (Sunday) on 1 August, which officers are also investigating.

Inspector Jim Adams said: "We would advise anyone who has information on the banners being taken down or tampered with, or saw someone acting suspiciously near the banners to contact police - maybe you caught the incident on your dash cam as you were driving past.

"We're trying to understand the motivations behind these incidents, which are criminal damage at the least, but more concerning, a potential hate crime.

"A banner was taken down outside the New Life Church earlier in the week which was not damaged and we have been working with both the organisers of the event, and the church to understand the reasons for the banner being removed from there."

Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police on 101 or via the website quoting IML 1048788.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A Congleton Pride spokesperson said: "We are once again disheartened but we recognise this is not the behaviour of the majority and will not take away from our fabulous event on the 21st August."

Congleton Town Councillor Rob Moreton said that this anti-social behaviour "should not and will not be tolerated".

Cllr Moreton added: "Every law-abiding member of this town is welcome, no matter what their sexuality, religion or ethnicity."

A few weeks ago, Cllr Moreton was asked by Richard Walton, Congleton Pride Trustee, if he would consider opening next month's event in his new role as Town Crier.

Cllr Moreton who accepted the offer said: "I was honoured. In the past week, Richard informed that the members of the pride committee wanted to go in a different direction with a less formal opening.

"I had no problem standing aside. We are all individuals, we all have likes and dislikes. What should also be universal, but sadly isn't is respect.

"We should step up when asked and if it is appropriate, equally we should step aside when asked if it is appropriate.

"We should have our views and voice them in an appropriate time and know when to remain respectfully silent."

Cllr Moreton concluded: "One of the most important things we can do is agree to differ without harsh words or actions.

"It is not just a way forward but the only way forward."

This latest incident comes after the banner which was placed on railings beside the roundabout at Aldi in the centre of Congleton, had been "torn down" on Wednesday.

It was only last week that the charity had expressed its 'disgust and disappointment' that a banner advertising Congleton Pride 2021 was removed from a billboard at New Life Church.