There was outrage on Monday evening (April 24) after an adult store in Manchester's Gay Villlage was attacked AGAIN.
Clonezone, on Sackville Street, in the heart of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ district, had its windows smashed with a crowbar by a group of individuals who reportedly sped off from the scene on a moped.
It is shockingly the third attack at the store in a matter of weeks. Its glass front door was deliberately damaged by vandals less than two weeks ago, on the evening of Thursday, April 13.
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And just last month, on March 22, the windows were boarded up after another attack, prompting the store to issue a public statement, writing: “Windows can be broken but the LGBTQIA+ community cannot."
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News following the third incident, Jeremy Hoad, chair of the Friends of Manchester's Gay Village Group, said staff members were left 'shaken up' as the windows were smashed through at around 6pm.
"It is the same approach that has happened the other times, a few people seen on a motorbike with the registration removed pulled up outside, smashed the windows with a crowbar and then speed off," he said.
"It is disturbing and deeply depressing this has happened again. Following first two attacks, police have increased patrols and it has been noticed.
"However with incidents like this, it is frustrating, because unless someone is caught in the act, there is only so much that can be done. Today's was 6pm in the evening, in broad daylight.
"Coincidentally, I was in a meeting with neighbourhood police today, prompted by the previous two attacks. We were discussing the safety and policing in the area and then this happens.
"As chair of the Gay Village group it's important that it remains a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and any incidents like this are of course very worrying and undermine the cohesion of the gay village. It's even more important that we stand completely against these incidents and take as much action as possible to fight back."
There was outrage on social media, with many people sharing their concern that the adult store had been attacked three times in a matter of weeks.
GlitterBeam Radio was among those and tweeted: "We are shocked to see that Clonezone Manchester has been vandalised AGAIN. It’s the 3rd time in 6 weeks. @AndyBurnhamGM @gmpolice we hope in your intervention with a matter of emergency."
Previously, after the store was attacked on April 12, the owners issued a public statement, writing: "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.
"We are working with the police and other village businesses to try and find the culprits and bring them to justice."
Coun Pat Karney also tweeted: "Scandalous attack. These hate criminals must be caught. They are clearly trying to close this well loved Village shop. I will be calling the shop’s owner’s and GMP to the town hall to see how we stop these hate assaults."
Greater Manchester Police and Clonezone have been contacted for comment.
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