Police investigating hate crime after racist graffiti daubed on front door
A hate crime in Salford where racist graffiti was daubed on the door of a father and son’s home is being investigated by police, who apologised for their delayed response.
Jackson Yamba said he reported the “abhorrent” crime more than a week ago, but Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had not yet visited to investigate.
He shared a photograph of a flat front door with the words “NO BLACKS” visible in dripped white paint on Twitter on Saturday evening.
My front door in Salford was painted over a week ago with this abhorrent racist graffiti – after reporting it to @gmpolice they still haven't been here to investigate. How do I assure my traumatised 10 year old that he is safe in his home? @BBCBreaking@RLong_Bailey@guardianpic.twitter.com/WjGEz9rT7e
— Jackson Yamba (@JacksonYamba) February 16, 2019
Alongside the image, he asked: “How do I assure my traumatised 10 year old that he is safe in his home?”
The following morning, chief constable Ian Hopkins said he had only just become aware of the ”appalling crime” and apologised for the lack of response.
When Mr Yamba said he was told there were not enough staff when he contacted GMP on February 8, Mr Hopkins replied: “That is frankly just not good enough.
“There may have been other issues at the time, but we should have followed up quickly. It’s an appalling crime you and your family have suffered.”
That is frankly just not good enough. There may have been other issues at the time, but we should have followed up quickly. It's an appalling crime you and your family have suffered.
— Chief Constable Ian Hopkins (@CCIanHopkins) February 17, 2019
GMP later said it was aware of concerns about its response to the reports of racist graffiti at the flat in Irlams o’ th’ Height, north east Salford.
The force added that it was sorry Mr Yamba had “received a service below what we would seek to provide” and that they had visited him on Sunday morning.
Since Mr Yamba tweeted the image, messages of support have flooded in to the father and son.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help the pair replace their door, and exceeded its £1,000 target in less than six hours.
And they were invited to be special guests at a local rugby match and meet the Salford Red Devils.
MP for Salford and Eccles, Rebecca Long-Bailey, replied to Mr Yamba’s post asking him to email her.
We are investigating a report of a hate crime in Salford in which racist graffiti was painted on the front door of a flat in Irlams o' th' Height on Friday 8 February 2019. pic.twitter.com/gnTZM45Irp
— G M Police (@gmpolice) February 17, 2019
In response to the messages, Mr Yamba tweeted: “I am really grateful for the amount of support across the country.
“There is no word to describe my gratefulness. My son and I want to thank you all.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101.