Fears hate crime is a "hidden issue" in Wiltshire

The county's Police and Crime Commissioner is concerned incidents aren't being reported because of the coronavirus crisis.

Before the country when into lockdown the number of incidents being reported was on the rise.

Between 24 March and the end of July 290 hate crimes were reported compared to 256 for the same period in 2019 - a rise of 13%

But Wiltshire's PCC Angus Macpherson fears as lockdown continues to ease more hate crimes are going unreported.

"I have concerns that the good work put in encouraging reporting will have been put back by the whole affect of Covid and we will have to do more work to get that confidence back."

Last month Wiltshire Police launched an awareness campaign on the issue

The focus was on educating the public to be mindful of discrimination and to encourae people to report incidents.

Hate crime can involve race, religion, sexual orientaton, gender identify and disability.

Inspector Simon Cowdrey is the force's lead for Hate Crime;

"Hate Crime comes in many forms- from the extreme to what may appear to be an innocent but inappropriate discriminatory comment."

"There is never any excuse for it; as a Force we take all reports seriously and will respond robustly to anyone committing these crime."

TO REPORT HATE CRIME

• Call 999 in an emergency or 101 if not

• You can also report online through Wiltshire Police website www.wiltshire.police uk

• Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to report anonymously

• Report online through True Vision www.report-it.org.uk

Wiltshire Police says anyone who comes across hateful content on social media platforms should use the reporting channels provided by social media companies to raise concerns..