Social media is in part behind a spate of recent “racially or religiously motivated” attacks on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) across Greater Manchester, a senior police officer has said.
Greater Manchester Police said there had been 46 properties damaged across the city region since 5 October, including in Salford, Tameside and Stockport.
Ch Sup Marcus Noden said footage of criminal damage was being shared widely “followed by comments and discussions”, and people were using social media to “push the message out across different areas”.
He warned people to stop the attacks, which he said were “unlawful, reckless and putting lives at risk”.
As an investigation into the run of criminal damage continues, a 33-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday morning on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage and remained in custody for questioning.
The damage was to HMOs or properties that were mistaken for HMOs.
In Salford, 41 properties were targeted with three in Tameside and two in Stockport over the period.