FOOTAGE and photos of houses in multiple occupation in Tameside having been ‘smashed up’ have received cross-party condemnation.
Social media is awash with posts featuring properties in the borough that have had windows put through, ‘no HMOs’ sprayed on the walls and in one instance a swastika painted on its door.
Properties in Stalybridge, Denton and Dukinfield are featured under the tag ‘struggle of the streets’, with the narrator specifically mentioning ‘Serco ones that are housing the migrants.’
As damage is surveyed, comparisons are made to reported similar incidents in Salford, with: “It’s not stopping, is it? The people of Tameside aren’t having it.
“Is it not obvious that people just don’t want them here? The Government obviously isn’t going to sort it out, so the people in the areas think this is the best way to get them off the estate.
“They’re not f***ing about. They’ve had enough.”
And while many criticise, there are several comments in support.
Now political leaders have united in their condemnation after four properties in Stalybridge, Dukinfield and Denton were targeted overnight between October 20 and 21.
Cllrs Eleanor Wills (Labour), Allan Hopwood (Reform UK), Andrea Colbourne (Conservative) and Ged Cooney (Independent Group) said in a joint statement: “We stand completely united in a message to the public: acts of criminality, violence, aggression, and intimidation in Tameside will not be tolerated and are entirely unacceptable in our borough or indeed anywhere.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home and there is absolutely no place for fear or hostility in our communities.
“Those who choose to engage in this behaviour do not speak for the people of Tameside, and their actions counter the values of safety, respect, and unity that define our towns.
“We want to reassure all residents that we are working closely together, and in direct partnership with Greater Manchester Police.
“They have made a number of arrests in relation to Greater Manchester incidents and are providing extra patrols in our communities in Tameside.
“We urge anyone with information regarding the incidents to contact the police immediately.
“We remain committed to ensuring Tameside remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”
Anyone with information that could support our investigation is being asked to report online or call 101.
Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.