Sharp Rise In Hate Crimes As Security Boosted

Police in England and Wales recorded 52,528 hate crimes in 2014/15 - an increase of 18% on the previous year.

More than 80% of recorded incidents were categorised as being racist incidents, while others involved religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender.

The latest data follows a rise in figures in 2013/14.

In that period, offences involving religious hatred rose by 45% and race hate crime by 4% in the aftermath of the murder of soldier Lee Rigby in London in May 2013.

The increase is thought to be as a result of improved recording of crime over the last year, particularly for crimes involving violence.

It comes after David Cameron announced that anti-Muslim hate crimes will be recorded as a separate category for the first time.

The move brings Islamophobia in line with anti-Semitic attacks, which have been recorded separately for some time.

The Prime Minister has revealed he will provide new funding to improve security at religious buildings, as he hosted the first meeting of a new Community Engagement Forum at Downing Street.

The forum brings together representatives of faiths including Islam from around the country, and is aimed at providing Mr Cameron with a chance to hear directly from those battling extremism in the community.

Home Secretary Theresa May said: "Hate crime has no place in Britain."

Estimates taken from the Crime Survey for England and Wales - which looks at unreported crimes - put the overall number of hate crimes per year for the last three years at around 222,000.

Mr Cameron said earlier that he wants faith groups to work with the authorities to challenge any "extremists and the poison they peddle".

He said: "I want British Muslims to know we will back them to stand against those who spread hate and to counter the narrative which says Muslims do not feel British.

"And I want police to take more action against those who persecute others simply because of their religion."