Salford boy, 13, arrested after anti-HMO graffiti and vandalism
Homes and cars in Lower Broughton, Salford, were vandalised with anti-HMO graffiti and smashed windows over the past week. A 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage as police investigate the incidents, which matter amid local concern and protests over migrant accommodation.
Messages included “no HMO” and political slogans on properties and a car; similar damage was reported in Kersal. The Lower Broughton houses were built in 2025, but the article says no application had been made to turn them into HMOs, and it is unclear whether anyone lives there. Police said they would support lawful protest but act against criminal damage, while Salford’s mayor said extra officers would be present during the investigation.
- A 13-year-old was arrested after anti-HMO graffiti and property damage in Salford.
- Similar incidents were reported in Kersal.
- Police are investigating amid debate over migrant accommodation.
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An HMO, or house in multiple occupation, is a property where several unrelated people rent rooms. In Salford, there has been growing local concern and protest over HMOs being used to house migrant workers and asylum seekers, with residents worried about the impact on their neighbourhoods. This tension forms the backdrop to recent vandalism in the area.
Over the past week, homes and vehicles in Lower Broughton and Kersal in Salford have been vandalised with anti-HMO graffiti and had windows smashed. The messages included 'no HMO' and political slogans painted on properties and a car. The damaged houses were newly built in 2025, though no application has been made to convert them to HMOs and it is unclear whether anyone currently lives in them.
A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage as police investigate the incidents. Police have said they will support lawful protest but take action against criminal damage and vandalism. The local mayor has stated that additional officers will be present during the investigation.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Communities experiencing rapid HMO development face real challenges including pressure on local services, reduced housing availability, and neighbourhood change. When residents raise these concerns through normal channels yet development proceeds regardless, they may feel their voices don't matter in a democratic system. The vandalism, whilst illegal, reflects genuine frustration about housing policy and a sense that conventional advocacy hasn't worked, pointing to a need to address the underlying grievances more seriously.
The case against
Criminal vandalism cannot be justified by policy disagreements. Damaging property violates fundamental principles of the rule of law and harms innocent parties. Communities have legal means to address concerns—planning objections, democratic representation, peaceful protest. Particularly with young people involved, consistent enforcement of law is essential for maintaining order and showing that all members of society must respect the law and others' property, regardless of their political views.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Homes and cars on Salford estate are defaced with anti-HMO slogans in graffiti crime spree: Boy, 13, is arrested”.