A 13-year-old boy has been arrested as police in Salford investigate multiple incidents of criminal damage in the borough.
Several windows were shattered at a property on Kingsley Avenue in Kersal on Wednesday (October 7), with apparent further damage taking place overnight after the building, believed to be an HMO, had been boarded up. Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said that separate reports of criminal damage were made on Thursday (October 8) on Albert Park Road and Nelson Street in Lower Broughton.
Arrest and investigation
The force said that one boy, 13, has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and remains in custody in relation to the reports, with the Neighbourhoods team conducting a thorough investigation to identify those responsible.
Photos posted on Facebook appear to show the front window of a property on Albert Park Road smashed in, while 'NO HMO' has been spray-painted across the front door. The property in the photo was constructed in 2025, with planning permission granted in 2020 to construct three self-contained flats on the site. There is no planning application visible on Salford Council's website to change its use to an HMO.
Police and council responses
Chief Inspector Lee Gridley, who is Neighbourhoods lead in Salford, said the incidents reflect a 'pattern of behaviour' in the borough. "It is our priority to ensure this comes to an end," he said.
"We recognise and support the public's right to protest and will always work to facilitate lawful protest activity where possible. However, there is a clear distinction between protest, and criminal activity, and where this threshold is crossed, our officers will act in full accordance with the law.
"We will not tolerate incidents where properties are damaged or individuals are subjected to criminal acts. These incidents can cause significant concern around the local communities, and our teams will work hard to ensure those responsible for this damage are held accountable.
"Our officers will remain on patrol in the area as our investigation continues, and I encourage anyone who may have questions or concerns to please speak with them."
The incidents come after mayor of Salford Paul Dennett urged the public to not 'divide people, spread hatred or target individuals because of who they are'.
The council's Reform leader Councillor Iran Voronov also called for peace and for all parties to 'act in good faith'. He said: "The people of Salford must feel safe in their neighbourhoods. The right to peaceful protest is sacred and must not be infringed upon.
"There have been instances where Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) have become hotbeds of criminal activity. Dismissing residents’ legitimate concerns about safety as being driven by racism, hatred or other blanket accusations does nothing to ease tensions.
"The people of Salford have every right to raise concerns, ask questions and have their say about what is happening in their local communities. That being said, all protests must remain peaceful.
"Violence, threats and incitement to violence must never be tolerated. We call on all parties to act in good faith, listen to one another and work together to address the concerns of local residents."
Appeal for information
Anyone who may have information to support these incidents is urged to contact police, including anyone who may have witnessed these incidents, or has CCTV, doorbell, or mobile phone footage. Reports can be made to 0161 856 7137 or 101, quoting 1865 08/10/26. Alternatively, you can use the LiveChat function on GMP's website or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
