A 24-hour telephone helpline has started to help victims of hate crime in North Yorkshire.

A hate crime is defined as any act of hostility or violence which is directed at a person because of their disability, gender-identity, race, religion or belief.

The number of recorded hate crime incidents in the county increased by 21 per cent to 387 from two years ago, but police believe the number of incidents could be far higher, due to under-reporting.

A police spokesman said: “Part of the reason for low reporting is that many people aren’t sure exactly what a hate crime is, or where and how to report it. We want to spread the word that name-calling, verbal threats, graffiti, bullying and damage to personal property doesn’t have to be tolerated, and that victims of such behaviour can report what has happened and get advice on what to do.”

The Stop Hate UK helpline is available on 0800 138 1625.