Greater Manchester Police (GMP) issued a statement after a group of men wearing balaclavas demonstrated outside Stockport town hall on the morning of 15 November 2026. The force confirmed that no criminal offences were identified and that no arrests were made.
A video posted on social media showed the group standing outside the town hall, all with their faces covered and wearing dark clothing, with some holding union jack flags and posters. An unnamed male spoke on camera and made a number of comments about houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) and asylum seekers.
Enhanced police presence
GMP said there was an 'enhanced police presence' in place to monitor the situation, which began at about 8am. The group left the area a short time after, the force said.
In a video posted on Facebook, a number of elected councillors were named as the unnamed male, with his face covered, made a number of comments, claiming that 'we believe residents are genuinely concerned or should I say scared'.
Police statement
Officers posted on the GMP Stockport Facebook page: "You may have noticed an enhanced police presence within Stockport Town Centre this morning (15/11/2026) around 8am."
"Whilst on routine patrol, officers identified a small group of people who had walked from Alexandra Park to Stockport Town Hall."
"Officers worked closely with Stockport Council to make sure local residents were unaffected."
"The group left the area a short time after."
"No criminal offences have been identified, and no arrests have been made."
Background of incidents
The demonstration comes after a series of incidents across Greater Manchester concerning HMOs. Police have made eight arrests as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected criminal damage at such properties.
GMP said they have received 63 reports of damage to HMOs or properties mistaken as such, across six of the ten Greater Manchester boroughs since the beginning of October. Damage has so far been reported in Salford, Tameside, Stockport, Bolton, Rochdale and Wigan.
