Shocking CCTV footage shows the moment an adult store in Manchester's Gay Village was attacked for a third time in a matter of weeks - with a police car parked up outside.
Clonezone, on Sackville Street, beside Canal Street, has had its windows smashed by vandals three times in just six weeks. Horrific footage shows the moment the two individuals, with their faces covered, arrive on a motorbike before one offender is seen smashing the windows in what police call a 'targeted' attack.
The third incident occurred on the evening of April 24, shortly before 6pm, as staff were still working inside. General Manager Richard Tropez has told the Manchester Evening News he is 'not confident' he can keep protecting his staff from the repeated attacks and that he has had to introduce security, shutters and new CCTV cameras to the store.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
"It is the third time this has happened and it's massively affecting the mental health of staff in store. I have a responsibility over those people, but I do not feel confident I can keep protecting them," he said.
"After the second attack happened, we had window replaced again and introduced additional CCTV and shutters for when we are closed, along with security from 7pm onwards.
"But yet at 6pm, in broad daylight and with a police car parked outside, it still happened."
The store first fell victim to an attack on the evening of March 22. It was a similar incident, with offenders arriving on a bike. The windows were smashed, prompting the venue to issue an emotional public statement writing: “Windows can be broken but the LGBTQIA+ community cannot."
The glass front door was then deliberately smashed up less than two weeks ago, on the evening of April 13. At the time, Sam Wheeler, a councillor who represents the Piccadilly ward said it was an instance of 'targeted violence'.
The third incident followed on April 24. Following the attack, the store issued its third public statement, which read: "For the third time in six weeks Clonezone Manchester has been victims of a premeditated, targeted hate crime against us as a queer business.
"Our LGBTQIA+ village has always been a safe space and that now sadly is becoming less and less of a reality."
In the clip of the most recent incident, a police car can be seen parked up outside the store. It is understood the vehicle was unoccupied at the time.
It is understood police are working off the hypothesis that the attack was hate related but are still investigating this currently.
The force is now appealing for the public’s help in identifying the two people seen in the footage. The force said the motorbike, which is distinctive and red in colour, was then driven away in the direction of London Road after the 'targeted' attack.
Chief Inspector Wignall of CoM said: “GMP will not tolerate these kinds of mindless acts of vandalism in the city and as such, we are providing ongoing support to the owners of the shop, whilst we thoroughly investigate these incidents.
“This appears to be targeted to this one particular shop and we have increased patrols in the area, providing reassurance to the local community and shop owners.
"If there is anyone who can ID these two people, particularly through the distinctive motorcycle they were on, we would urge them to get in touch with us. Similarly, any dashcam or doorbell footage that can be provided, we would welcome this."
If anyone has any information, contact 101 quoting log number 002955-24042023, or through the Live Chat function at the GMP website www.gmp.police.uk. Information can also be passed through the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 111 555. 999 should be dialled in case of an emergency.
READ NEXT:
- Woman left with sickening injuries after deranged neighbour attacked her with electric drill speaks of her horror ordeal
- The sick text messages which brought down GMP officer who used cadet scheme as his 'grooming playground'
- Police issue doorbell footage of third suspect in connection with Thomas Campbell fatal attack
- Millions to receive £301 DWP payment today - everything you need to know
- Avanti West Coast issue statement over FA Cup final amid concerns from Manchester football fans
