THE police authority which covers Herefordshire has reassured residents that racially aggravated crimes will not be tolerated.

Following last week's EU referendum there have been reports nationally of an increase in hate crime.

However, West Mercia Police has seen a small decrease in reports of racially aggravated crimes when comparing June 17 to 19 and June 24 to 26.

West Mercia chief constable, David Shaw, said: "While the number of reports that we are receiving does not indicate any cause for concern following the European Union referendum, I would like to stress that every hate crime is one too many.

"Nobody should have to tolerate victimisation because of who they are and I would like to reassure the communities we serve that all reports we receive will be thoroughly and robustly investigated.

"I would strongly encourage anyone who is the victim of such a crime to report it so that we can take action."

Courts treat hate crimes extremely seriously and the hate aspect of the crime acts as an aggravating factor that allows judges to apply a more severe sentence.

If you have been a victim or are witness to a hate crime, report it by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.