Salford mayor Paul Dennett has called on the city to unite following what he described as “high-profile incidents” that “will have caused concern and anxiety in our communities”.
His statement came after a murder investigation was launched at a property in Lower Broughton; an HMO was trashed in Kersal; roadside banners opposing “migrant HMOs” were put up; and reports emerged of people being targeted by yobs hurling fireworks amid anti-social behaviour in Ordsall.
Mayor’s appeal for unity
“Our city motto is ‘the welfare of the people is the highest law’,” Mr Dennett wrote. “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.”
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.” He added: “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.”
Murder investigation in Lower Broughton
The statement came as a murder investigation was launched after a man was found dead at a property on Great Clowes Street, Lower Broughton, on Wednesday (October 7). The Manchester Evening News understands the building at the centre of the murder probe is a house of multiple occupancy (HMO).
Cops were called following the death of a man in his 40s on Tuesday (October 7). Greater Manchester Police said the man was found unresponsive inside the building. He sadly died despite the best efforts of emergency services. Five men – aged between 24 and 35 – have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
HMO trashed in Kersal
GMP later confirmed the investigation is not being linked to reports of criminal damage at an HMO on nearby Kingsley Avenue, Kersal. Police have twice been called out to the property after it was trashed.
Officers are investigating reports of criminal damage at the property. Images 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. Greater Manchester Police said it was called about the property on Monday and Tuesday (October 5 and 6).
A Salford council spokesperson said: “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.”
A video of another property, reportedly nearby, was later posted on Facebook. “No HMO” was 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.
Banners and anti-social behaviour
The Kersal incident came 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”.
Earlier this week, a banner with the words “say no to migrant HMOs” was raised on the roadside in the city. The message was eventually taken down by Salford council, which condemned the action. The council said it had also acted to “take steps” to remove them over “the potential for inciteful behaviour”. The banners – referencing houses of multiple occupation – appeared in areas in Cadishead and Lower Irlam. They have been pictured strung up across lampposts, under bridges and billboards and attached to fences in the communities.
The town hall said in a statement: “This matter goes beyond the putting up of union flags, which as a tolerant city have remained in place. To be clear, we do not support banners on roadsides that cause health and safety risks and are divisive to communities.”
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. Meanwhile, 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. Fireworks were reportedly hurled at members of the public at the time.
Local responses
Following the vandalism attack in Kersal, councillor for Kersal and Broughton Park Andrew Walkers spoke out on social media. He wrote: “I unequivocally condemn the appalling attack on the property on Kingsley Avenue last night. Whatever rumours or concerns may circulate online, there is never any justification for intimidation, criminal damage or violence. We are living in an increasingly polarised society, where misinformation can spread rapidly and suspicion can too easily be directed at people because of their nationality, ethnicity or perceived immigration status.”
He added: “Everyone in Kersal and Broughton Park, whatever their background or country of origin, has the right to feel safe in their home and in our community. We must stand together, challenge misinformation and make clear that racism, discrimination and violence have no place in our community.”
Following the launch of the murder investigation in Lower Broughton, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Partington said: “We now have five men in custody as our investigation into the circumstances surrounding this man’s death continues. Our priority is to establish exactly what happened and we are keeping an open mind as we work to build a full picture of the events leading up to his death. A post-mortem is taking place to establish the cause of death, which will be an important part of our investigation.”
He added: “We understand that an incident of this nature will understandably cause concern within the local community. At this stage, we are confident that there isn’t any wider threat to the public. Officers will remain in the area while enquiries continue, and I would encourage anyone who has information, or who may have witnessed anything that could assist our investigation, to speak to officers or contact us.”
