ALMOST 500 race hate crimes were recorded in Cheshire over a six-month period.

A Freedom of Information Request made by Fraser Innes has revealed that between April and September 2017 there were 473 racially- motivated hate crimes recorded across the borough.

During the same period, there were 32 anti-Muslim hate crimes. In addition, there were two anti-Hindu hate crimes, two anti-Buddhist and one anti-Christian.

In 2016-17, 660 racially or religiously aggravated incidents were recorded by police. Before April 2017 hate crimes relating to someone’s faith or beliefs were not broken down by religion.

Between April and September 2017 115 people were victims of hate crimes due to their sexual orientation.

There were also 14 transgender-related hate crimes.

A total of 64 people were victims of hate crimes because of their disability, 10 of whom were 16 or under.

In total, there were 707 hate crimes recorded during the six-month period.

Nationally, there has been a surge in hate crimes.

In 2016-17 there were 80,393 hate crimes recorded in England and Wales, an increase of 29 per cent compared to the previous year. Race hate crimes made up 79 per cent of that figure.

The Home Office partly attributed the increase to the EU referendum and the Westminster Bridge terrorist attack.

Insp David Gordon said: “Hate crime is recognised nationally as an under-reported crime, so we encourage victims to report incidents so we have a true picture of what’s happening.

“However it is a crime that national and international events can result in a rise in reports against certain parts of the community.

“Cheshire, like many areas of the country, experienced an increase in hate crime reports last summer following a number of terrorist incidents around the country.

“To be a victim of crime is never acceptable, but to be a victim of crime simply because of who you are is particularly disheartening.

“It is really important for us that the public understand the impact hate crime can have on the victim.

“Cheshire Police takes hate crime seriously, and I want to reiterate to victims out there, that if you come and talk to us, we’ll listen to you and investigate the report and our staff and Cheshire Cares will also provide care and support for you.”