Salford's mayor has appealed for calm after a week of high-profile police investigations in the city, saying the incidents "will have caused concern and anxiety" among residents. Paul Dennett's plea for Salfordians to stick together came after a series of events, including the discovery of a gun and ammunition at a recently-closed nursery, a murder investigation in Lower Broughton, and reports of anti-social behaviour in Ordsall.
Gun and Ammunition Found at Former Nursery
On Thursday (October 8), Greater Manchester Police said two men had been arrested after officers raided the building of the former Mini Fingers Day Nursery on Liverpool Road in Irlam on Wednesday evening (October 7). The nursery had been ordered to shut down earlier this week after a rat infestation was discovered, which is unrelated to the police probe.
Once inside, police found a gun and a "substantial quantity" of ammunition. Two men - one in his 50s and another in his 30s - were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs, namely cocaine and cannabis. Police said they "potentially prevented a serious incident" by seizing the weapon.
Murder Investigation and Vandalism in Salford
The incident came after a murder investigation was launched following the death of a man at a property on Great Clowes Street, Lower Broughton. The building at the centre of the probe is understood to be a house of multiple occupancy (HMO). Five men, aged between 24 and 35, were arrested on suspicion of murder after the man, in his 40s, was found unresponsive inside the building on Tuesday (October 7). He died despite the efforts of emergency services.
GMP later confirmed the murder investigation is not being linked to reports of criminal damage at an HMO on nearby Kingsley Avenue, Kersal. That property was targeted at least twice, with windows smashed and the front door removed. Overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, it was hit again, with boards placed over the windows and doors being smashed once more. It is not known whether the damage was caused by youths or someone with a political motive.
Political Discourse and Banners Opposing 'Migrant HMOs'
The Kersal incident came against a backdrop of heated political discourse around immigration and public anger over the use of HMOs. Speculation on social media claimed the Kingsley Avenue house was being used as a "migrant HMO." Earlier this week, banners with the words "say no to migrant HMOs" were raised on roadsides in Salford, appearing in areas in Cadishead and Lower Irlam. The council condemned the action and said it had taken steps to remove them over "the potential for inciteful behaviour."
Councillor Ivan Voronov, Salford's Reform leader, said residents in the area "must feel safe in their own neighbourhoods" in light of the recent incidents involving HMOs. A video of another property, reportedly nearby, was posted on Facebook with "No HMO" scrawled on the door. The exact location of the house is not yet known, and GMP are working to determine if the clip is recent.
Anti-Social Behaviour and Mayor's Statement
Earlier this week, worried residents made a string of 999 calls amid reports of anti-social behaviour in Ordsall. GMP said it received multiple calls regarding anti-social behaviour and the misuse of fireworks at Ordsall Park. The force issued a 48-hour dispersal order throughout Ordsall at the weekend following reports of "a large group of youths engaging in anti-social behaviour" last Wednesday and Thursday evenings, with fireworks reportedly hurled at members of the public.
In his full statement, Mr Dennett 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. There is no place for hate, violence, intimidation or discrimination in our city, and we are working closely with our partners, including Greater Manchester Police, to respond to these incidents, support those impacted and help ensure everyone feels safe and welcome in Salford.
"GMP will have extra officers in the area – this is normal when an investigation is being carried out and also for reassurance for our communities. Our communities are strongest when people from all backgrounds, faiths and cultures are treated with dignity, respect and kindness. Our city motto is 'the welfare of the people is the highest law' and any attempt to divide people, spread hatred or target individuals because of who they are is completely unacceptable. The spirit of Salford is what unites us."
