Shared homes hit in spate of 25 linked vandal attacks across Salford as boy, 13, is arrested

Houses in multiple occupation, and homes wrongly taken for them, are being targeted in a string of 25 linked criminal damage attacks across Salford, Greater Manchester, police say. Spread across the city since October 5, the incidents share a pattern and are being investigated as one series. 'HMOs, and properties that have been mistaken for HMOs, are being targeted,' said Chief Inspector Lee Gridley, the force's neighbourhoods lead in Salford.

Officers are monitoring social media coverage of the attacks to help establish the facts and shape their response.

'No one should be made to feel unsafe in their own home,' Gridley said.

Patrols will cover the whole of Salford this week, and Crimestoppers takes anonymous tips on 0800 555 111.