Greater Manchester Migrant HMOs Targeted with Vandalism and Graffiti
Source reports published 23 Oct 2026, 10:00 am – 11:50 am AEST
Criminals in Greater Manchester have been targeting houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), primarily with pig's head and ‘stop the boats’ graffiti. Police believe vulnerable people, including children, are being exploited to carry out the attacks.
What happened
- Overnight between October 20 and 21, four properties in Stalybridge, Dukinfield, and Denton in Tameside were targeted with vandalism.
- This follows earlier attacks on HMOs beginning on October 5, with over 40 reports of criminal damage in Salford.
- GMP detectives have made three arrests and believe young people are being exploited by adults.
- The attacks involve damage to properties suspected of housing migrants or asylum seekers, with graffiti including ‘fuck off’ and ‘no HMO’.
- Police suspect vulnerable people, including children, are being paid to damage the buildings.
- A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage in Salford.
- Online platforms are being used to spread the message and incite further violence.
- Salford council removed banners reading ‘IRLAM AND CADISHEAD SAY NO TO MIGRANT HMOs’ due to concerns about misinformation and potential for escalation.
- Four individuals have been arrested this week in connection with the attacks, including a 13-year-old boy.