Criminals are recruiting vulnerable people, including children, to damage houses suspected of being HMOs, police in Manchester believe.

In recent weeks, dozens of properties have been targeted across Greater Manchester, mostly in Salford, but also in Stockport and Tameside.

The houses that have been attacked are either HMOs (houses in multiple occupation), or properties that have been mistaken for HMOs. Police have received at least 46 separate reports of criminal damage, with cars also targeted alongside houses.

Windows have been smashed, and walls and doors have been sprayed with graffiti reading “fuck off” and “no HMO”. Houses are being targeted because they are believed to hold immigrants or refugees.

Ch Supt Marcus Noden said: “We suspect vulnerable people are being exploited and paid to damage buildings they believe are HMOs. Some of those being exploited are believed to be children.”

“This recent spate of damage is not being tolerated,” he added.…