Rail passengers are being urged to report hate crimes

RAIL passengers in Halton are being urged to report hate crime as part of a national awareness campaign.

British Transport Police (BTP) are joining other agencies and organisations to stand together to reinforce the message that crimes of hate will not be tolerated anywhere on the rail network.

National Hate Crime Awareness week runs from Saturday, October 14, to Saturday, October 21.

As part of the initiative, BTP officers will be at stations across the country talking to passengers, rail staff and members of the public about the #WeStandTogether campaign, which is an initiative designed to stamp out hate crime and incidents on public transport.

They will also be providing practical advice on what people should do if they become a victim or witness a hate crime.

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Furnell, BTP’s head of public protection, said: “As part of our We Stand Together campaign we are actively encouraging people to come forward to report hate crime.

“We want people to know there is never any excuse for these types of crime. Being victimised because of who you are or who people think you are is fundamentally wrong.

“If you are a victim of hate crime, or if you witness an incident that makes you feel uncomfortable, please do not suffer in silence – report it to us and we will do everything we can to help.”

To report a hate crime on the rail network call BTP on 0800 405 040 or text 61016.