Hate crime probe launched over £10 Scottish bank note

Police launched an investigation after a man claimed he was the victim of a hate crime when a branch of the Post Office refused to accept his Scottish bank note.

Kent Police were reportedly called out last month when Patrick Burgess, 48, accused postal staff of racism.

Mr Burgess claimed the Post Office staff’s refusal to accept the note amounted to a hate crime because it was based on nationality.

An officer was asked to investigate the claim and it was recorded for official purposes as a hate crime.

The incident happened on November 22 in the village of Walderslade near Chatham when Mr Burgess, who works for the Royal Mail, went to his local Post Office with his son Daniel. He asked staff if Daniel, 12, could deposit a Scottish £10 bank note that his aunt, who lives in St Andrews, gave him as present.

However, he was told it was not permitted.

Police confirmed they had received a report and that as it was reported as a hate crime it would be investigated as such.

Mr Burgess has since received an email from police explaining his complaint did not constitute a hate crime.