Residents on a Salford estate say they have been left 'terrified' after at least six properties had windows smashed and graffiti daubed onto them, with two cars also damaged in the Nelson Street and Albert Park Road area of Lower Broughton this week. The words 'No HMO' were spraypainted onto the targeted properties.
The incidents follow similar ones in the Kersal area of the city. Police, who are now investigating, said there is a 'clear distinction between protest and criminal activity,' while Salford's mayor urged people not to 'divide people, spread hatred or target individuals because of who they are.'
Residents report fear and anger
A 27-year-old architect from India, who asked not to be named, moved to the UK three years ago and shares a house with several other young working professionals. Their property has not been damaged, but he said they had been left living in fear. "We have been scared," he said. "We just don't know what is going to happen. This is the first time we have experienced this, and we don't know how the situation will turn out. It's terrifying, actually. I can't really put it into words."
Others were unanimous in their condemnation of the damage. A man who works in the area said: "They are terrorising people. They are jumping on a bandwagon. They are listening to rumours and making assumptions about people. I don't even think a lot of these are even HMOs. So I don't know what they are trying to achieve. A lot of them will have students or others living in them. I certainly couldn't afford to live on my own if I were single. People can have opinions, but this is way overstepping the mark. Britain used to be a safe and tolerant place."
Mixed views on HMOs and protest
Steven, 46, said: "I don't think it's very good for the area. But if all of these are indeed HMOs, I don't know if I lived here, If I would be happy that there is a whole row of them. I come to use the park, and you do see a lot of groups of young men now hanging around, smoking drugs and drinking, which you didn't before. I think ultimately what is happening is people are putting two and two together and not necessarily getting four." He said vandalism was 'never the right thing to do.'
Frank Aldred, 83, said he believed the incidents were the result of 'anger' over immigration. "I'm not into politics. I can't say I agree with what they are doing. But something has to be done, as it bugs people," he said. "It's anger. It's not just here, it's everywhere. All over the country. There's so much anger around. This government is doing nothing about the people that are coming in, especially on boats."
Police and council response
A 63-year-old man, who also lives nearby, said: "People wanted the hotels shut down, and that's what the government has done. And until the UK decides not to comply with international law regarding asylum seekers, they are going to come over, and we will have to put them somewhere whilst we consider their applications. The system needs to be quicker at handling them, definitely. Certain politicians have certainly stirred up the sentiments. Mr Farage and Mr Lowe, for example. We don't even know for sure who is living here. It might be students; this is a big student area. But it doesn't bother me either way. This criminal damage is just unnecessary. There are other ways to protest than just smashing things up."
Salford Council said this week that HMOs are 'occupied by a wide range of people from many different backgrounds.' "HMOs are among the most regulated forms of private rented accommodation. Each application is decided on its merits in a transparent process. Local residents will continue to be notified of any planning applications as they are received by the council," they added. The council also said they had removed 'say no to migrant HMO' banners in Cadishead and Lower Irlam due to 'the potential for inciteful behaviour.'
In a statement issued on Friday, Greater Manchester Police said they were investigating reports of criminal damage in both Kersal and Lower Broughton. A 13-year-old boy had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, the force said. They will 'continue to conduct a thorough investigation into the full circumstances of these incidents, with the aim to identify those responsible.'
Chief Inspector Lee Gridley, Neighbourhoods lead in Salford, said: "The increasing number of incidents reflects a pattern of behaviour in the Salford area, and 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. 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 mayor of Salford Paul Dennett said: "Recent incidents have been reported in the media which are currently being investigated by police. 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."
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."
