A memorial to murdered Greater Manchester police officer Stephen Oake has been desecrated.

The memorial, on Crumpsall Lane, was attacked last night and broken-off chunks of marble were then thrown into the car park of a nearby police station.

Superintendent Catherine McKay from the North Manchester Division said: "This is a despicable incident which is an affront to Stephen's family, his friends and his colleagues."

The broken pieces of the memorial were subsequently thrown into the car park of Cheetham Hill Police Station on Cheetham Hill Road, causing damage to two liveried police cars and one other car, belonging to an officer.

The cars were unattended at the time and no one was injured.

Supt McKay added: "The offenders will have required some form of weapon to exert enough force on the memorial to break off chunks of marble.

"The damaged memorial has now been removed out of respect for Stephen's family. It will be replaced when it has been repaired.

"This appalling incident shows a total lack of respect for a man who lost his life trying to protect members of the public across Greater Manchester.

"The community in North Manchester has always been very supportive of Stephen's family and friends following his death and I hope that they come forward with information which will lead us to those responsible for this."

Anyone with any information is asked police on 0161 856 8327, 856 8330 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.