46 Greater Manchester properties damaged in anti-HMO attacks

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 14:51 · Archive

Greater Manchester Police said 46 properties have been damaged in attacks on houses of multiple occupation since 5 October.

Greater Manchester Police said 46 properties across the city region have been damaged since 5 October, with incidents reported in Salford, Tameside and Stockport. The attacks have included windows being smashed, graffiti sprayed on walls, and in one case a swastika painted on a property door.

Chief Superintendent Marcus Noden said social media was partly driving the attacks. He said footage of the criminal damage was being widely shared 'followed by comments and discussions', with people using social media to 'push the message out across different areas'. He warned the attacks were 'unlawful, reckless and putting lives at risk'.

In Salford, 41 properties were targeted, with three in Tameside and two in Stockport. Some properties had been mistaken for HMOs. One property in Heaton Norris near Stockport was targeted with anti-HMO graffiti and had its window smashed, though it was not currently being used as an HMO.

A group called Tameside Patriots has been protesting outside suspected HMOs but refuted claims it was responsible for the attacks, saying it did not condone criminal damage or racist graffiti. Political parties in Tameside issued a joint statement condemning the incidents. A 33-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage.

How it is being reported

• Windows smashed and swastika scrawled on houses in latest spate of 'HMO' vandalismSince October 5, Greater Manchester Police has received 47 reports of criminal damage to properties that are either HMOs, or properties that are being mistaken for HMOs.Manchester Evening News · 22 Oct, 14:13
• Social media a factor in HMO attacks, says police bossGreater Manchester Police said 46 properties were damaged across Greater Manchester since 5 October.BBC Manchester · 22 Oct, 06:19

In this story: Greater Manchester · Greater Manchester Police · Salford · Tameside · Stockport · Marcus Noden · Tameside Patriots

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