AFTER a 150 per cent increase in reports of hate crimes in Somerset, anti-racism groups across the county are highlighting the issue.

An open letter from Avon and Somerset Chief Constable Andy Marsh and PCC Sue Mountstevens addressed the increase of hate crimes following the EU referendum, pledging their commitment to keep communities safe.

The joint letter stated: “There can never be any excuse for hate crime in any shape or form and this criminality will not be tolerated.

“Nationally there has been a rise in the number of hate crime incidents to the national online reporting site, and we have seen a troublesome increase across Avon and Somerset too.”

According to the force, it received an average of ten incidents per day in the last week, compared to the previously received four a day before the EU decision.

The letter added: “We value the rich, multi-cultural diversity of the cities, towns, villages and rural communities where we live and work and the people that make them, and we know this is true of many of you.

“We would like to think that people will intervene to challenge, condemn and report abusive behaviour.

“We want to reassure victims that those behind it are not representative of Britain.”

In response to this letter, groups across Somerset want to remind people that hate crimes and discrimination will not be tolerated.”

Peter Stevenson, of the West Somerset Inter-cultural Friendship Group, said: “As a local resident I applaud the letter from the chief constable. We also value our emerging richly diverse communities.

“As a teacher who travels all over the area running race equality poetry and story telling workshops I can report on the super work schools are doing to welcome and integrate newly arrived families from Eastern Europe and elsewhere and I can report on how hard the children are working. They are enriching our schools.”

Taunton Amnesty group chairman, Robin Peeler, said: “Amnesty International stands against racism and xenophobia in all forms. We are saddened by the recent reports of increased verbal and physical abuse hurled in public places, community buildings defaced with racial slurs, and abhorrent slogans on T-shirts. “Amnesty is undertaking research to examine these reports and their causes. In particular we must understand how this relates to the public and political discourse around both the EU referendum and the London mayoral election.”

“Amnesty supports efforts that seek to counter this rise in xenophobia by highlighting the positive contributions made by migrants, refugees and minorities in every community.

“All individuals in our society deserve to be confident that they are safe, protected and welcome here.

We encourage everyone to write to their local authorities to stand against hate.”

Refugee Aid From Taunton (RAFT) is currently celebrating its 75th shipment of aid being sent to places like Syria, and believes that treating people differently due to the colour of their skin is unacceptable.

Frederica Smith, co-ordinator of RAFT and Taunton Deane councillor for the Halcon ward, said: “We haven’t been directly affected by any hate crimes but we have seen the backlash on social media.

“We hope people can continue to show us support as we have just sent our 75th shipment of donations off on Saturday and are working on our next one now.

“We know the people carrying out these acts are small-minded people acting unacceptably.

“These people are humans, it doesn’t matter what colour their skin is or what their political views are, they are just the same as you or I.”

Earlier this week a man from Yeovil was left with potentially life-changing injuries after a racially aggravated attack. The man was approached in front of the Green Dragon pub by two men. After asking the victim whether he spoke he English, the men then repeatedly punched and kicked him, continuing the attack as he lay on the floor.

PC Jason Sims described the attack as “despicable”.

The Chief Constable and police and crime commissioner made a plea in their letter for more people to report a hate crime if they witness one, as they believe they are under-reported.

Anyone with information about any hate incident should report it either by calling 999 in an emergency or 101 in a non-emergency, or in person at a police station. A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We would always prefer to speak to people on the phone or in person but if contacting us online is the safest way to get in touch victims can complete our online reporting form.

Incidents can also be reported through an independent agency or online at www.report-it.org.uk.