Brexit link to hate rise

HATE crime soared after the Brexit vote in the biggest leap since records began.

Race hate crime jumped even higher after London and Manchester terror attacks.

England and Wales suffered a 29% rise to 80,393 in the past year, the biggest increase since records started in 2011.

The Home Office said the rise was due partly to better reporting – but also linked to the EU referendum. Most, 78%, were race hate crime, 11% homophobic and 7% religious or disability related.

The figures were branded “extremely disturbing” by Home Affairs Committee chair Yvette Cooper.