Hate crimes on Britain’s railway climbed by 57 per cent in the weeks after the UK’s Brexit vote, according to new figures
Suspected race hate crimes on Britain’s railways surged in the aftermath of Britain's EU referendum, new figures have revealed.
British Transport Police recorded 119 incidents, including allegations of racist abuse and attacks at stations, according to statistics obtained by the Press Association.
The figure – equivalent to eight incidents every day between June 24 and July 7 – represent a 57 per cent increase on numbers for the fortnight before the referendum and a 78 per cent rise on the same period of last year.
According to PA, the most common complaint were allegations of racist comment towards passengers or transport staff.
Three claims of racially or religiously aggravated actual bodily harm were also recorded in the period.
British Transport Police cover the UK's railways, as well networks such as London Underground.
Superintendent Chris Horton said: “Hate crime is totally unacceptable and has no place in society or on the rail network.
“We are aware that hate crime is under-reported and so in order to tackle it effectively, we need the public to stand up to those committing these disgusting acts and report it to us. We will take every report seriously."