A property targeted in a criminal damage attack in Salford is actually a family home, not a house of multiple occupation (HMO), the Manchester Evening News understands. The house in Little Hulton had a front window smashed and red spray paint daubed on its white front door and a window on Monday night (October 12).
Posts on social media uploaded after the attack included photographs and claimed it was 'another HMO'. But the Manchester Evening News understands it is a family home. Images showed a hatchback car parked on the driveway.
Police investigation underway
Police have confirmed an investigation is underway. In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: "We were called to a report of criminal damage at 8.53pm. Enquiries are ongoing."
Official sources have told the Manchester Evening News it's not an HMO. No injuries have been reported, but it's not known whether anyone was inside the house at the time.
Salford council response
Salford council said it was aware of the situation. A spokesperson said: "We know that a small number of houses have been targeted in Salford over the past week, after some were mistaken for HMO’s, including in Little Hulton last night.
"This is absolutely unacceptable and everyone in Salford has the right to feel safe in their own home. There is no place for criminal damage, especially when that damage is caused to someone’s home.
"These incidents are being investigated by Greater Manchester Police, who are also carrying out visible patrols in a number of areas.
"Residents are being visited to give them direct reassurance, and a range of support is being provided to landlords. Extra safety and security measures are also being stepped up.
"We are aware of misinformation being spread on social media around Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) – we have been working with our landlords and an updated mythbusting fact sheet on our website."
Wider Salford incidents
Images taken by the Manchester Evening News on Tuesday show a front window of the property boarded up with 'No HMO' spray painted on the door and windows. No further details have been revealed.
At least six properties and two cars were targeted, with the words 'No HMO' spraypainted onto them, in the Nelson Street and Albert Park Road area of Lower Broughton last week. It follows similar incidents in the Kersal area of the city.
Houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs) are accommodations shared by three or more people who are not related. They can offer a more affordable form of housing, however they can be unpopular and prompt a wide range of concerns.
A number of banners have also been removed in the Cadishead and Lower Irlam areas, which read: "Say no to migrant HMOs."
The mayor of Salford, councillor Paul Dennett, issued an appeal for calm, together with police, saying there was 'no place for hate, violence, intimidation or discrimination in our city' amid claims the attacks were politically motivated.
It is unclear whether any of the properties damaged are in fact HMOs, or who, if anyone, resides in them.
