Fourth arrest this week as police investigate 50 attacks on suspected HMOs

Police are investigating 50 attacks across Salford, Tameside and Stockport amid suspicions that vulnerable people, including children, are being paid to damage homes believed to be HMOs.

A man aged 42 was arrested on Saturday 24 October on suspicion of criminal damage following an alleged attack at a Salford address overnight. He remained in custody for questioning.

He was the fourth person arrested in connection with the investigation that week. The incidents span almost three weeks and involve houses in multiple occupation, known as HMOs, as well as properties wrongly identified as such.

Police investigate suspected exploitation

Chief Superintendent Marcus Noden said police suspected vulnerable people were being exploited and paid to attack buildings. Some were believed to be children. He described this as one line of enquiry, rather than an established finding.

HMOs have been targeted by people and groups opposed to migrants being accommodated in them. The damage has also affected homes mistaken for shared housing.

In Little Hulton, a front door on Wildbrook Road was vandalised. A home on Manchester Road was also attacked.

Three men arrested earlier in the week in Salford on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage have been released. Greater Manchester Police said their release was “with stringent conditions”.

A 13-year-old boy previously arrested in connection with the Salford incidents has also been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Noden urged anyone able to help the investigation to contact police online or call 101. People who do not want to speak to police can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on freephone 0800 555 111 or through its website.