Salford Estate Terrorized: Crime Spree Leaves Residents in Fear and Anger

Residents on a Salford estate, specifically in the Nelson Street and Albert Park Road area of Lower Broughton, have expressed profound terror following a spate of vandalism targeting at least six properties and two cars. The incidents, which occurred this week, involved smashed windows and graffiti, prominently featuring the words 'No HMO' spray-painted onto the affected properties. These events echo similar occurrences recently reported in the Kersal area of the city.

Houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs) are defined as accommodations shared by three or more unrelated individuals. While they often provide a more affordable housing option, they can frequently be met with local opposition and raise various community concerns. The vandalism is believed by many residents to be politically motivated and to stem from anti-immigration sentiments, with graffiti on one front door explicitly stating: "F**k Labor (sic). No HMO. Save lives." Another daubing on a car bonnet read: "R Dirty old town." It remains unclear whether any of the damaged properties are, in fact, HMOs, or who currently resides in them.

Further amplifying these sentiments, banners reading "Say no to migrant HMOs" were recently removed by Salford Council in the Cadishead and Lower Irlam areas. The council stated that HMOs are "occupied by a wide range of people from many different backgrounds" and are among the most regulated forms of private rented accommodation. They affirmed that each application is decided transparently, with local residents notified of any planning applications.

The impact on residents has been significant. A 27-year-old architect from India, who shares a house with other young working professionals in Lower Broughton, described living in fear, despite his property not being damaged. "We have been scared," he recounted, "We just don't know what is going to happen. It's terrifying, actually." Other locals were unanimous in their condemnation, with one man describing the perpetrators as "terrorising people" and "jumping on a bandwagon" based on rumors and assumptions. He also questioned the targeting of properties, believing many might house students or young professionals rather than being HMOs, and stressed that while people can have opinions, "this is way overstepping the mark."

Another resident, Steven, 46, expressed concern for the area's reputation, noting an increase in groups of young men "hanging around, smoking drugs and drinking," which he hadn't observed previously. While condemning the vandalism as "never the right thing to do," he acknowledged that if a "whole row" of properties were HMOs, some residents might be unhappy. Frank Aldred, 83, attributed the incidents to "anger" over immigration, stating, "This government is doing nothing about the people that are coming in, especially on boats." Similarly, a 63-year-old resident pointed to politicians stirring up sentiments but stressed that criminal damage is "unnecessary" and that there are "other ways to protest." A woman who moved to Salford from Ireland over 40 years ago called the vandalism "disgraceful," asserting that "people have the right to live wherever they want to live." She also highlighted the financial burden, mentioning a landlord facing £5,000 in repair costs for a property confirmed not to be an HMO.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has launched an investigation into the criminal damage reports in both Kersal and Lower Broughton, with a 13-year-old boy already arrested. Chief Inspector Lee Gridley, Neighbourhoods lead in Salford, emphasized the "clear distinction between protest and criminal activity," asserting that officers will act in full accordance with the law when this threshold is crossed. He stated that GMP "will not tolerate incidents where properties are damaged or individuals are subjected to criminal acts" and confirmed increased patrols in the area. Separately, a murder investigation was launched after a man was found dead in an HMO on Great Clowes Street, Lower Broughton, though GMP does not believe this incident is linked to the criminal damage.

Salford Council, in collaboration with GMP, is actively responding to these incidents. Mayor Paul Dennett strongly condemned "hate, violence, intimidation or discrimination" in the city, urging communities to remain strong through dignity, respect, and kindness, and rejecting any attempt to "divide people, spread hatred or target individuals because of who they are." The council's Reform leader, Councillor Iran Voronov, also called for peace, stating that while the right to peaceful protest is sacred and residents have the right to raise concerns, "violence, threats and incitement to violence must never be tolerated." He acknowledged that some HMOs have "become hotbeds of criminal activity" but warned against dismissing legitimate resident concerns with blanket accusations.