Race hate crime on the rise on UK railways following Brexit vote

The number of reported race hate crimes on British railways has risen following the vote to leave the European Union.

Data obtained by the Press Association found that in the two weeks following the vote, the British Transport Police (BTP) recorded 119 incidents, including allegations of racist abuse and attacks at stations - equivalent to eight every day.

The number is up 78 per cent compared to the same period in 2015, when 67 incidents were reported, and also represents a sizeable increase compared to the two weeks preceding the vote, when 76 hate crimes were recorded.

Responding to the figures, Bruce Williamson, from the campaign group Railfuture, said: “Every passenger should be able to enter a station and board a train without fear of abuse or worse. These latest figures are very worrying, and they highlight the continuing need for staff presence at stations and on board trains.”

Supt Chris Horton of BTP said: “Hate crime is totally unacceptable and has no place in society or on the rail network.

“We are aware that hate crime is under-reported and so in order to tackle it effectively, we need the public to stand up to those committing these sickening acts and report it to us. We will take every report seriously.

“We will always work tirelessly to ensure those who threaten or intimidate passengers are brought to justice.”

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