Story perspectives

Police arrest man over racially motivated Salford HMO vandalism

By Drooid · Oct 24, 2026, 10:46 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Greater Manchester Police arrested a 42-year-old man in Salford for criminal damage to an HMO.
Police report up to 50 HMO-related vandalism incidents in Salford and surrounding Greater Manchester areas.
Investigators suspect the attacks are racially or religiously motivated.
Chief Superintendent Marcus Noden warned vulnerable individuals, possibly children, may be paid to target HMOs.
Graffiti on the damaged homes read “No HMO” and “Send them back”.

History

Historical Context

The Housing Act 2004 extended regulation of houses in multiple occupation, forcing local authorities to licence many HMOs and creating empty-dwelling management orders that took effect in 2006 and yielded only 43 orders by 2010. The resulting licensing surge expanded regulated units in Manchester, and Greater Manchester Police now probe anti-HMO graffiti echoing earlier community protests.

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Story summary

Greater Manchester Police arrested a 42-year-old man in Salford for criminal damage to an HMO.
Police report up to 50 HMO-related vandalism incidents in Salford and surrounding Greater Manchester areas.
Investigators suspect the attacks are racially or religiously motivated.
Chief Superintendent Marcus Noden warned vulnerable individuals, possibly children, may be paid to target HMOs.
Graffiti on the damaged homes read “No HMO” and “Send them back”.

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