Steep rise in hate crimes

RACIALLY and religiously aggravated crimes have hit a record high, with one reported on average every six minutes, figures reveal.

In all, 76,884 such offences were recorded last year across England and Wales, up 15% on 2020.

Offences have been rising since 2013 but this is the biggest leap since 2017.

Victim Support said the police data is “seriously concerning”. England’s defeat by Italy in the Euros final at Wembley sparked a number of offences.