Police are investigating a series of criminal damage incidents in Salford after a car was smashed up and homes were scrawled with 'no HMO' graffiti. New pictures show a car on Nelson Street with its windscreen and windows smashed, along with the words 'R dirty old town' and 'no HMO' painted on it.
Photos taken on Saturday (October 10) also show a house on Nelson Street with the words 'f*** Labour, no HMO' scrawled across the front door. A house on Albert Park Road appears to have five smashed windows, with 'no HMO' spray painted over boarding.
Police investigation underway
Greater Manchester Police confirmed separate reports of criminal damage were made on Thursday (October 8) on Albert Park Road and Nelson Street in Lower Broughton. The property on Albert Park Road was constructed in 2025, with planning permission granted in 2020 for three self-contained flats. No planning application is visible on Salford Council's website to change its use to an HMO.
Earlier this week, several windows were shattered at a property on Kingsley Avenue in Kersal on Wednesday (October 7), with further damage overnight after the building, believed to be an HMO, was boarded up. A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and remains in custody, with the Neighbourhoods team conducting a 'thorough' investigation.
Officials respond
Chief Inspector Lee Gridley, Neighbourhoods lead in Salford, said the incidents reflect a 'pattern of behaviour' in the borough. He said: "It is our priority to ensure this comes to an end. We recognise and support the public's right to protest and will always work to facilitate lawful protest activity where possible."
He added: "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."
The mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett, urged the public not to 'divide people, spread hatred or target individuals because of who they are'. He said: "There have been a number of different high-profile incidents in Salford this week that will have caused concern and anxiety in our communities."
Councillor Iran Voronov, the council's Reform leader, 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."
Appeal for information
Anyone with information, including witnesses or those with CCTV, doorbell, or mobile phone footage, is urged to contact police on 0161 856 7137 or 101, quoting 1865 08/10/26. Alternatively, the LiveChat function on GMP's website or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 can be used.
