Gay Adult Store Attacked Again by Hammer-Wielding Masked Men

For the third time in six weeks, a gay adult book and novelty store in the U.K. was vandalized in a hammer attack.

Last Monday, Clonezone in Manchester had its glass storefront windows smashed by two masked men on a distinctively colored motorcycle. The store had been similarly attacked twice before in recent weeks in what police now describe as a targeted attack on the LGBTQ+ business.

“Beyond heartbroken to be putting this statement out again,” Clonezone Manchester posted to Instagram.

According to a statement from the Greater Manchester Police, two masked people on a pink or “distinctive-looking red” motorcycle approached Clonezone on Sackville Street. Surveillance video obtained by Manchester Evening News shows one of the attackers jumping off the back of the motorcycle and using a hammer “to repeatedly smash the windows of the shop.” After the attack, the person jumps back on the motorcycle and the two people speed away from the scene.

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,” Chief Inspector Wignall said in a statement. “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.”

Police released CCTV pictures of Monday’s attack and asked for the public’s help in identifying the two individuals.

Clonezone appeared little comforted by the efforts of the investigation to date, though, saying in its post to social media that the police response has “in no uncertain terms failed us and allowed these attacks to continue to happen.”

Clonezone posted to social media after its glass front door was deliberately damaged by vandals on the evening of Thursday, April 13. That attack followed a similar incident of vandalism targeting the store that took place last month on Wednesday, March 22.

Police are hoping the motorcycle might help identify the suspects.

“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,” Wignall said. “Similarly, any dashcam or doorbell footage that can be provided, we would welcome this.”

Anyone with information on the incident should contact the GMP online at www.gmp.police.uk or the outside charity online at Crimestoppers. All tips can be reported anonymously.