A gay adult store has been vandalised for the second time in a matter of weeks in what is thought to be a targeted attack from ‘hate criminals’, according to a city leader.
Reports of a damaged door at Clonezone circulated online following an incident last night (April 13). This morning, new images show the scale of the vandalism.
The Manchester Evening News understands councillors for the Piccadilly ward, which includes the Village, met with city centre cops to discuss the attacks today. It’s understood that detectives are investigating the incident as 'another targeted attack'.
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“Second targeted attack on Clonezone last night,” tweeted Coun Pat Karney. “Just called to see the staff. We have valuable information so the Council and GMP will go through our CCTV in the Gay Village and across the city centre. We will track down these hate criminals.”
Sam Wheeler, a councillor who represents the Piccadilly ward - which includes Clonezone - said it was instance of 'targeted violence'.
"Many of us hoped this sort of targeted violence against LGBT+ people, businesses and services was a thing of the past," the Labour politician said. "It is vital that those cowardly individuals who chose to engage in these acts of destruction are caught and properly dealt with.
"And as part of tackling the causes of crime, it is up to all of us to challenge the pedlars of hate who justify attacks on minority communities. I would encourage anyone with information to come forward."
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police confirmed an investigation is underway. A statement said: "At around 9:45pm last night (Thursday 13 April 2023) Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of criminal damage at a premises on Sackville Street, Manchester.
“Officers attended the scene and an investigation has subsequently been launched to determine the full circumstances surrounding this incident.
“If anyone has any information including CCTV footage, dash cam footage, please contact GMP on 101 or via the GMP website using the ‘report’ tool: www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.”
The store was also attacked on March 22. Following that vandalism, the store issued a statement of defiance.
It said: “Our Manchester store has always been special. There's something so unique and alive about the queer area in Manchester, and I love visiting from London.
“Windows can be broken but the LGBTQIA+ community cannot. We are stronger together, which is more important than ever now, with attacks on LGBTIA+ rights worldwide.
“A massive thankyou for the well wishes and comments after Wednesday, the team is fine and we're open as normal. [In] January 2024, we celebrate 40 years of being loud, proud, and unapologetically queer on Manchester's queer scene and have no intention of being anything other than that.”
In a further post on social media today, Clonezone issued another statement regarding the second act of vandalism. It said: "It saddens me to, again, be writing this but would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of well wishes and support we have received after the second incident of targeted vandalism against Clonezone Manchester.
"All the staff are safe and well. And Clonezone Manchester is open for business as usual. We are working with the police and other village businesses to try and find the culprits and bring them to justice.
"If anyone does have any information or witnessed two grown male-presenting people on a motorbike driving along Sackville Street on Thursday 13th April at around 9.40pm, please get in touch. You will be kept anonymous, should you wish.
"Once again a huge thank you from the team at Clonezone Manchester for all the support and kind words. We will not be beaten by this."
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