Effigies of government figure and businessman hung on Salford bridge below coronavirus protest banner slammed as ‘unacceptable’

'I am all for people making a political point, but in a democracy that has to be done in a way that respects the rights of others and the sanctity of life'

Two effigies of a government figure and a businessman have been hung from a bridge in Salford.

The figures are accompanied by a painted banner reading: "Make the rich pay for COVID-19."

People on social media have branded the stunt ‘unacceptable’.

Salford’s deputy mayor said the effigies would be removed 'at the earliest opportunity'.

No one has claimed responsibility for the sign and figures hung at the bridge in lower Broughton.

Deputy mayor John Merry said the figures were ‘totally unacceptable’.

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service : “I’m shocked by this protest, using such violent imagery is totally unacceptable.

"Young children and vulnerable people make their way past this bridge on a daily basis.

"To see two hanging effigies is completely inappropriate and even dangerous.

"I am all for people making a political point, but in a democracy that has to be done in a way that respects the rights of others and the sanctity of life.

“We will be removing the effigies at the earliest opportunity.”