CHESHIRE Police is encouraging victims of hate crime to speak out.

Officers across the county are advising people what support is available with a particular focus on the link between public transport and disability.

Hate crime is an offence committed against a person or property that is motivated by the offender’s hostility towards someone based on a personal characteristic.

This can be disability, faith, homophobia, racism or transphobia.

Insp David Gordon, Cheshire Police hate crime lead, said: “To be a victim of crime is never acceptable, but to be a victim of crime because of who you are is particularly hurtful.

“It is really important for us to educate people about the impact hate crime can have on the victim - why should anyone be in fear to use public transport because they might have abuse hurled at them?

“We treat hate crime seriously all year round, not just for one week, but this gives the constabulary an opportunity to highlight the effects this behaviour can have on the victim, and really drive home the message that we will not stand for hate crime in our communities.

“We want people to feel safe and feel they can go about their daily business, no matter who they are, without fear of violence or threat.”

Hate crime can be reported to the police using 101, or in an emergency 999.

If you don’t feel comfortable talking to the police, it can be reported online through report-it.org.uk/home