Police are investigating criminal damage at a house in Salford after social media rumours about the property. Officers have been called out twice to the property on Kingsley Avenue, in Kersal, following reports of damage.
Damage at the property
Images from the scene show the front downstairs windows have been completely shattered, with a wooden board in place in one section. The front door has been removed and appears to have been left resting through one of the broken downstairs windows. One upstairs window has also been shattered, while debris can be seen on the ground.
Greater Manchester Police says it was called about the property on Monday and Tuesday (October 5 and 6). The Manchester Evening News understands the property is a house of multiple occupation (HMO). It is not yet known who has caused the damage, and police are continuing with their enquiries.
Police statement
A GMP spokesperson said: "Criminal damage at a property on Kingsley Avenue was reported to us on October 5. Officers attended the address, but nobody was present at the time and no arrests were made.
"Further damage to the property has since been reported yesterday (October 6) and officers are continuing to make enquiries into the circumstances." Salford council has been approached for further information.
Council response
The incident comes against the backdrop of a heated political discourse around immigration, and public anger over the use of HMOs. Speculation on social media overnight claimed the Kingsley Avenue house was being used as a 'migrant HMO'. However, in a separate statement issued overnight, Salford council said it does not house migrants in HMOs.
The statement was issued after roadside banners declaring 'say no to migrant HMOs' were placed in Irlam and Cadishead. The council says the banners will soon be taken down.
A Salford council spokesperson said: "The council does not house migrants in HMOs and has no such pending applications. 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 plannings applications as they are received by the council."
