A HMO on Kingsley Avenue in Kersal appeared to have been trashed again overnight, prompting a statement from Salford's Reform leader. Councillor Ivan Voronov said residents in the area 'must feel safe in their own neighbourhoods' in light of a spate of recent incidents involving houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs).
Police called over criminal damage
Police confirmed they were called out to the property on Monday and Tuesday (October 5 and 6) following reports of criminal damage. Pictures from the scene showed the front downstairs windows completely shattered, with a wooden board in place in one section. The front door had been removed and appeared to have been left resting through one of the broken downstairs windows. One upstairs window was also shattered, while debris could be seen on the ground.
The Manchester Evening News understands the windows and doors were boarded up during the day on Wednesday, but by late on Wednesday evening into the early hours of this morning, the boarding appeared to have been trashed again. It is not known whether the damage was caused by youths or with a political motive.
No further incidents reported
The Manchester Evening News understands police have not been called out to the property since the initial reports on Monday and Tuesday. No further incidents of criminal damage have been reported to them.
The damage at the HMO in Kersal comes amid a murder investigation launched in Lower Broughton, though the incidents are not being linked. The investigation was launched following the death of a man at a HMO on Great Clowes Street on Wednesday (October 7). Elsewhere in Salford, roadside banners opposing 'migrant HMOs' were put up, while reports emerged of people being targeted by yobs hurling fireworks amid anti-social behaviour criminality in Ordsall.
Reform leader calls for peaceful protest
In his statement, Cllr Voronov said the people of Salford 'have every right to raise concerns'. But he called for the community to remain 'peaceful' amid the incidents. 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."
Yesterday, Salford mayor Paul Dennett called on the city to unite. 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. 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."
