Advertisement

Man held over ‘No Blacks’ graffiti on family’s flat

The 54-year-old was held on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage in Salford.

A man has been arrested after “No Blacks” was daubed over the home of a family from Africa.

The 54-year-old was held on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage and is in custody for questioning, police said.

Solicitor Jackson Yamba had the abuse painted on his front door and entrances to the flats where he lives with his young son, and friend Theo Baya, in Irlams o’ th’ Height, Salford, Greater Manchester.

It was only after Mr Yamba tweeted about the abuse, and a lack of police response, that the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester apologised for the delay and local politicians became involved.

Mr Yamba, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, has since been seen by a senior officer, the graffiti has been erased by the housing association, and the local community has rallied round with a fundraising effort.

Mr Yamba, who works for a law firm in Leeds, said his 10-year-old son David was in tears and left traumatised by the incident on February 8.

Superintendent Howard Millington, of Greater Manchester Police’s Salford Division, said: “While we have a man in custody, our inquiries into this deplorable crime are very much ongoing.

“I want to emphasise that we are acutely aware of the strength of public feeling surrounding this incident.

“Both CID and neighbourhood officers are looking into this crime and we are working closely with our partners to support the victim, as is the case in all hate crimes.

“Let me reassure people that where incidents of this nature take place, we will always pursue a prosecution.

“If you have information which could assist the police with our investigation, please contact us as soon as you can.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a hate crime should call police on 101.