Racist attacks at 5-year high

THE number of racist incidents recorded by police forces in England and Wales has hit a five-year high.

A total of 53,902 incidents were recorded in 2014/15 – a 10% increase on the previous year and the highest since 2009/10.

Greater London saw the biggest year-on-year increase for any region, with incidents up by almost a quarter (24%).

This is the highest number since available records began in 2009/10, and is the equivalent of around 14 incidents per 10,000 people – or one for every 740 residents.

The figures were released by the Home Office as part of the latest statistics on hate crimes, and cover every force in England and Wales, excluding the British Transport Police.