Property entrepreneur and former world champion Liv Cooke has revealed she has been deliberately targeted by vandals because she owns a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
The 26-year-old, who has built a multi-million-pound property portfolio, said one of her HMO properties in Oldham, Greater Manchester, was attacked twice, with the phrase 'No HMO' daubed in grey paint across the front door and window.
Vandalism Delays Critical Housing for Women
Liv Cooke stated that the vandalism caused significant delays in moving new tenants into the property. She emphasised that many of her HMOs provide essential accommodation for women fleeing domestic violence and sexual abuse.
"We had vulnerable people ready to move in, women who needed to escape dangerous situations," Cooke explained. "When the property was vandalised, it delayed us by weeks. Delays in which those women potentially had to stay somewhere unsafe."
The first incident was reported to police on 4 September, with a second attack occurring just over a month later. A van parked outside the property was also damaged during the follow-up incident.
Political Tensions and Public Criticism
Cooke criticised Reform UK councillor Lewis Quigg, accusing him of escalating local tensions. She claimed he posted private planning correspondence about the HMO in a public Facebook group.
In response, Cllr Quigg said he had been approached by residents concerned that the property was "not right for the area". He confirmed he had informed Cooke's development firm of his intention to make the correspondence public.
Over the past two years, Cooke claims to have housed nearly a thousand vulnerable women across her national portfolio of HMOs. The vandalised property has since been fully refurbished, with new occupants expected to move in shortly.
From Football Champion to Property Magnate
Liv Cooke first gained fame as a freestyle footballer, becoming the youngest ever qualifier for the Red Bull Street Style World Finals at age 17 in 2016. She went on to win the world football freestyle champion title in 2017.
Since then, she has presented MOTDx, served as a UEFA ambassador, and been recognised as a Parliamentary Rising Star. In recent years, she has focused on property development, branding herself as a "HMO specialist" with a reported fortune of £10 million.
Oldham Council was contacted for a statement regarding the incidents.
