A 46-year-old man and a 39-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage. They remain in police custody for questioning.

– Since 5 October, we have received several reports of criminal damage affecting properties across Greater Manchester.

– The majority of incidents have taken place in Salford and enquiries have led us to believe that most of the properties targeted are houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), or properties that have been mistaken for HMOs.

Two men have been arrested this morning as part of our ongoing investigation into a series of criminal damage offences across Salford.

Officers arrested the men at addresses in Salford following intelligence gathered by the investigation team.

A 46-year-old man and a 39-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage. They remain in police custody for questioning.

Since 5 October, we have received several reports of criminal damage affecting properties across Greater Manchester.

The majority of incidents have taken place in Salford and enquiries have led us to believe that most of the properties targeted are houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), or properties that have been mistaken for HMOs.

Enquiries remain ongoing, including CCTV trawls, intelligence development and work with partners as officers continue to identify those responsible and disrupt further offending.

High-visibility patrols remain in place across affected communities.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Helen Bagnall, said: “These arrests are a significant development in our investigation.

“We believe this offending is linked to the criminal exploitation of children, with vulnerable young people being encouraged by others to commit acts of criminal damage on their behalf.

“Our focus is on identifying those carrying out the offences, as well as those directing and organising them.

“Let these arrests serve as a warning to anyone involved. We will continue to pursue all lines of enquiry and take robust action against those responsible.

“Anyone with information that could assist our investigation should contact us.”

Anyone with information can report it online via gmp.police.uk or by calling 101. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.