GMP say tackling hate crime in Gay Village 'top priority' after 'despicable' attacks

Police say that tackling hate crime in Manchester's Gay Village remains the 'top priority' following four 'despicable' attacks on an adult store.

Clonezone, on Sackville Street, was attacked four times between March and May with the perpetrators approaching the store on a motorbike and then smashing up the windows each time. Nobody has been charged in connection with any of the four incidents yet, with 'fatigued' manager Richard Tropez telling the Manchester Evening News he is now a 'sitting duck for future attacks'.

But police say patrols have been stepped up in the areas around Canal Street and that the Village remains 'one of the safest places' in Manchester city centre. Ahead of Sparkle Weekend in July and Manchester Pride in August, officers say there has been a reduction in overall crime in the area this year compared to last.

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An investigation into the attacks on Clonezone remains open. Chief Inspector Stephen Wiggins, of GMP’s City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Everyone is welcome to come to the Village and enjoy it for the wonderfully vibrant place it is.

"I would like to reassure the community that we have the resources available to ensure people are safe in the Village. We have conducted numerous high-visibility patrols and used plain clothed officers through the evenings to ensure the night-time economy remains a thriving environment, and we will continue to use these tactics.

"Hate crime in the Village remains our top priority. We know that statistically hate crime remains relatively low however we encourage members of the public to feel confident in reporting hate-related crime and this is our city