A statement from the Deputy Mayor on recent attacks on a business in Manchester’s Gay Village

Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, Kate Green, said: “These repeated attacks are deeply worrying, not only for the business owners and customers but everyone who visits Manchester’s Gay Village and for the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. It is utterly unacceptable that anyone should be targeted in this way and made to feel unsafe, and I share the concerns and frustrations of those who’ve been affected.

“Greater Manchester Police are carrying out an investigation and are treating these three incidents as linked. They’ve increased patrols in the area and have met with the business and local community to listen to their concerns and provide reassurance about the action being taken. They have also appealed to the public for help in bringing the perpetrators to justice and I would encourage anyone who has any information that might assist GMP with their enquiries to come forward.

“I want to be clear that we will not take our focus away from this issue. We will continue to work with GMP and all of our partners to protect our residents and businesses, and take a united stand against homophobia, hatred, and prejudice of any kind in our city-region – there is no place for hate in Greater Manchester.

“If you've been a victim or a witness of hate in Greater Manchester, visit Let's End Hate Crime – We Stand Together (letsendhatecrime.com) to report it or receive help and support.”

Article Published: 26/04/2023 18:42 PM