An arrest has been made after tributes for a teenager killed in a motorbike crash in Tameside were reportedly graffitied onto buildings, flats and signs in the local area.
Police said that although they 'understand people wish to pay their respects', that 'vandalism and graffiti will not be tolerated'. One person has been arrested and officers will now be taking a 'pro-active' stance against the issue, they added.
This comes after tributes were reportedly spray-painted in public areas in Denton and Audenshaw. Local residents said the Civic Square in Denton, the library and Victoria Park were vandalised.
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This afternoon, pictures showed graffiti reading 'RIP Kenna' painted onto the sign for the Guide Bridge Medical Centre on Guide Lane. The Manchester Evening News understands that graffiti was also sprayed onto the side of some flats.
The tributes are believed to be for 16-year-old Mckenna Leigh, who was killed in a crash on Denton Road in Audenshaw on Saturday (September 17). The teenager was riding a Honda motorbike which collided with a Vauxhall Vivaro van.
Mr Leigh suffered multiple injuries and sadly died a short time later. His family are being supported by specially trained police officers.
The driver of the Vivaro stayed at the scene to assist police with their enquiries. An investigation is ongoing, police said today.
In a post on GMP Tameside South & West Facebook page earlier today, police said: "Police are currently investigating a tragic accident that occurred in Audenshaw over the weekend. Whilst understanding people wish to pay their respects, criminal activity in the form of vandalism and graffiti will not be tolerated.
"One individual has already been arrested and police will be taking a pro-active stance towards anyone committing a criminal offence."
Following news of Mr Leigh's tragic death, dozens of friends paid tribute to the teenager. A GoFundMe page was also set up to help support the youngster's family.
The fundraising page said: "Mckenna was one of the best people we have all ever met, he was the cheekiest, most caring, funny and happy boy. He always knew how to lighten a room and was the first person to talk or make a weird noise when in an awkward situation. This send off for him is gonna be the best and we all know that!"
One pal, Ella Mccabe, said: "Honestly he was the most loving boy in the world there was never a time when he didn’t have a smile of his face. He would always have that annoying attitude but we all loved it."
Another friend told the M.E.N : "Mckenna was always the person to take time out of his day to see if you were alright even if he didn't consider you to be one of his closest friends. That's just the type of person he was, he always knew how to brighten up a room.
"He was known for being and doing things that could cheer people up and that's why everyone loved him. The amount of people that will miss his laugh or his smile is unbelievable.
"His time in earth to make people laugh was cut short way too soon and so many people will feel the devastation of his loss. Thank you for being you Mckenna you will always be missed."
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