Gay Adult Store Vandalized for a 5th Time Since March

Police in the U.K. are asking for the public’s help in identifying the owner of a motorcycle seen on video taking part in an attack on a gay shop on Sunday. They believe it is the same motorcycle used in a nearly identical attack last May against Clonezone, a gay adult book and novelty store in Manchester. The store has been attacked five times in total since March, and police believe the attacks are related.

“We are investigating a fifth attack that happened on Sackville Street, in particular Clonezone, from yesterday afternoon,” Manchester Police tweeted on Monday.

Chief Inspector Steve Wiggins said police already have one suspect in custody but are still looking for the motorcycle and its owner.

“We appreciate that the images in the CCTV image are not of the best quality, but we are releasing them in the hope that someone was able to witness this attack and can come forward with information,” Wiggins said in a statement.

City Councillor Pat Karney described the attackers as “frightening” and warned of the danger they pose to the community.

“If they are not caught we could see a person injured,” Karney posted to X Twitter.

The attacks first started in March. Two more incidents followed in April and another the following month. Sunday’s incident took place around 2 p.m. and caused an estimated £3,500 — or about $4,350 — in damages.

On Instagram, Clonezone wrote, "Clonezone Manchester has been victims of premeditated, targeted hate crime against us as a queer business, the police response has, in no uncertain terms failed us and allowed these attacks to continue to happen."

The store added: "Our LGBTQIA+ village has always been a safe space and that now sadly is becoming less and less of a reality."

Police have noted similarities in the attacks.

“The attacks are very specific, with all five attacks showcasing the same style of offending to one specific shop, with offenders arriving on bikes and causing significant damage,” Wiggins said. “We are keen to find out the motivations behind the attacks which will assist us with tracing those responsible and bringing them to justice.”

Wiggins announced a £2,000 reward for information leading to the resolution of the case.

“This information can be passed anonymously through the Crimestoppers independent charity on 0800 555 111,” Wiggins said. “Information regarding the bike or if you can identify the men in the image information can also be passed by calling officers on 0161 856 3345 or via 101.”