Incidents rise since vote

Incidents since vote

GREATER Manchester Police has confirmed an increase in hate crime over the past few days and many believe some people are using Brexit to "give ill-judged legitimacy to their hate-filled views".

Deputy chief constable Ian Pilling said the region had seen a small increase in the number of hate crime incidents reported following the result of the EU referendum.

He is now urging residents to report any hate crime they witness as a lot go unreported.

Mr Pilling said: "While we cannot categorically say whether the increase is related to any particular event, I wish to make it absolutely clear that all hate crime is unacceptable and even a small increase is of concern to us.

"It is really important that we have an accurate picture of hate crime in Greater Manchester so that we can deal with it in the most effective way possible.

"We suspect that the majority of hate crimes, like several crime types, go unreported, which is why it's vital that people tell us about what has happened to them.

"Also, I would urge anyone with mobile footage of suspected hate crimes to report it to the police rather than just share it on social media platforms.

"Many people in our communities will be feeling anxious right now as a result of the perception that a small number of people are using recent events to give ill-judged legitimacy to their hate-filled views."

One incident saw two men, aged 20 and 18, and a 16-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of affray after allegedly racially abusing a man on a tram in Manchester on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old has been bailed until August 10 pending further inquiries.

An 18-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy arrested for the same offence were bailed on Wednesday until August 10 pending further inquiries.

Anyone who experiences this behaviour can report it by calling police on 101 or using the True Vision website www.report-it.org.uk.

People can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency, always dial 999.