Race hate crime soars 60% in Shropshire after Brexit vote

West Mercia Police received 48 reports in just eight weeks after the country voted to leave the European Union in June.

Data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show it to be the equivalent of six offences a week.

This is up 61 per cent from the 93 reports to the force from January 1 up to the referendum on June 23.

West Mercia Police temporary chief inspector James Dunn said he was determined to encourage victims of hate crime to have the confidence to report any incidents.

He said: "Reports of hate crimes and hate incidents remain low in Shropshire, however like many parts of the country, we experienced some increased reporting for a few weeks following the EU referendum.

"Targeting someone because of who they are is unacceptable and we will investigate. People should never suffer in silence. If you are victim of hate crime please report it.

"We know that on a national and local level, hate crimes are underreported and we are committed to giving people the confidence to come forward and inform us of their incident."

The figures come as police launched an investigation after a man was attacked in a suspected racist attack.

Bardosz Milewski, 21, was attacked after he was approached by a group of three men in the early hours of Friday September 16.

The student, who is of Polish background, was with three friends in a park in St Matthews Road, Donnington, Telford, when he was approached by the group at about 1am.

Officers said a fight broke out, during which the victim was stabbed in the neck with part of a bottle.

He suffered a cut to his neck and was taken to the Princess Royal Hospital where he had 13 stitches. He has since been discharged.

Following the result of the EU referendum on 23 June 2016, Shropshire Council leaders from all parties unanimously agreed to send out a clear message to condemn all acts of hate crime following a surge in incidents across the UK following country's decision to leave the European Union.

Councillor Karen Calder, cabinet member for health and chair of Shropshire's health and wellbeing board said: "We are proud in Shropshire that overall, we live in a diverse and welcoming community.

"We are committed to ensure that Shropshire remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone and will continue to work with our partners and the community to tackle all forms of hate crimes, offer support to victims and stamp out this unacceptable behaviour when it arises."

Shropshire Councillor Jean Jones, chair of Shropshire's hate crime reporting group added: "We want to send out a very clear message that all forms of racism and hate crime are unacceptable and, as such, will be dealt with to the full extent of the law. Always report any incidents of hate crime."

If you are a victim of hate crime, or a witness to a hate crime or hate incident, you can report it by calling West Mercia Police on 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or going online at https://shropshire.gov.uk/crime-and-criminal-justice/report-a-hate-crime