'Speak out if you are the subject of a hate crime'

People in Wolverhampton are being asked to help raise awareness about hate crimes

People are being encouraged to speak out if they have been the subject of a hate crime.

All reports will be taken incredibly seriously and will be fully investigated by the police, John Denley, Director of Public Health for Wolverhampton, said.

A hate crime is a criminal offence committed against a person or property and motivated by a hatred of someone because of their race, colour, ethnic origin or nationality, their religion, their gender or gender identity, their sexual orientation, or their disability.

The Safer Wolverhampton Partnership are asking people to speak up during Hate Crime Awareness Week, which will end on Saturday 19 October.

Members of the public can attend pop up locations throughout the week to find out more about the city's zero tolerance policy, said the city council.

Sessions will be held at Tesco on Marston Road on Wednesday and Central Library and Wednesfield Library on Thursday.

"We are using Hate Crime Awareness Week to get people thinking about how they can respond to hate crime if they witness or are victims to it," Mr Denley said.

"Most importantly, we'll be encouraging people to report instances of hate crime, which will enable victims to get the support they need and to ensure those committing it are met with justice."