POLICE bosses at Cheshire Constabulary have called on victims of hate crime to speak up and not to suffer in silence.

Officers at Cheshire Police have vowed to tackle problems surrounding hate crime after it was revealed that this type of offence was under reported in the county.

Inspector Ian Stead from Cheshire Police’s Partnership Unit said: “If you’re abused in the street, because of your disability, or perceived disability, the abuse is classed as a hate crime.

"It may appear as bullying, but it is actually a lot more serious than that.

“Being abused shouldn’t be the norm. Cheshire Police are committed to being there for victims and supporting communities when and where you need us.

"If you talk to use, we’ll listen because we care.

“Please don’t suffer in silence, talk to someone about what is happening."

John Dwyer, police and crime commissioner added: “Hate Crime shouldn’t be classed as the norm.

"Here in Cheshire it is one of those crimes that is under reported and I would like to encourage people to speak about the prejudice they have been subjected to.

"Don’t suffer in silence. Stand up against hate crime and report it.”