Racist attacks on the rise in UK since Brexit?

Police group reports 57% rise in hate crime reports since Friday Polish embassy in UK and Muslim Council of Britain document racist and xenophobic incidents Human Rights Watch urges politicians to take action Many incidents posted on social media Instances of hate crime and racism have increased since the Brexit referendum result, according to several groups in the UK. There have been reported instances of hate notes being left on cars and posted through doors, several verbal attacks and at least one instance of alleged racially-motivated graffiti on a Polish cultural centre. The Polish Embassy wrote in a statement on Facebook: “We are shocked and deeply concerned by the recent incidents of xenophobic abuse directed against the Polish community and other UK residents of migrant heritage.” Meanwhile the Muslim Council of Britain said it had also witnessed “shocking manifestations of hate speech not only online but also on our streets.” The National Police Chiefs Council has assured the public that the incidents are not widespread, saying “there have been no major spikes in tensions.” However it did indicate a 57% increase in hate crime reports on its platform ‘True Vision’ since Friday, compared to the same time last month (85 reported incidents compared with 54). In a statement the NPCC said: “This is similar to the trends following other major national or international events. In previous instances, crime levels returned to normal relatively quickly but we are monitoring the situation closely…These figures only take into account reports through one mechanism…This should not be read as a national increase in hate crime of 57% but an increase in reporting through one mechanism.” Post-referendum racism documented on social media Picture from Romford today. (Photo with permission from the must-follow diamondgeezer ) pic.twitter.com/tsB56jAuww

— Jim Waterson (jimwaterson) 25 juin 2016 Mum got called 'Paki' for 1st time in 40yrs.Conservatives have created hostile environment for immigrants & British citizens. #PostRefRacism

— Zarina Rahman (zarinarahman91) June 27, 2016 these cards have actually been put through letter boxes of Polish families in Huntingdon today. I could weep pic.twitter.com/P3maK1Vasf— fencelt (@howgilb) 25 juin 2016 As these seem like incidents we should all be aware of I've made an album for them.Posted by Sarah Childs on Saturday, 25 June 2016 Immigration. Patriotism. Muslims. People explain why they voted #Leave https://t.co/M2JBQEbEAJ— Ciaran Jenkins (@C4Ciaran) 24 juin 2016 My girlfriend just sent me this photo from #Newcastle. Absolutely unbelievable #BrexitBritain #Brexit #EUref pic.twitter.com/EhA96ZUHSq— daniel watson (@DWxLW) 25 juin 2016 Human Rights Watch has called on politicians to take action: “All British political leaders – particularly those who supported the campaign to the leave the EU, which at times included anti-immigrant and anti-refugee rhetoric – should promptly speak out loudly, firmly, and repeatedly against xenophobic violence and abuse and the climate of xenophobia that can embolden or give legitimacy to those who would commit such crimes.” In his speech to the House of Commons on June 27 David Cameron also condemned the attacks saying: “We will not stand for hate crime or attacks of this kind. They must be stamped out.” Counter-examples to #PostRefRacism documented on social media There have also been several instances of support in the UK for immigrants and ethnic minorities. Amazing support from one of the local schools. Thank you #PoskLondon #PolesinUK #StrongerTogetherPosted by Polish Social & Cultural Association on Tuesday, 28 June 2016 Couldn't be more proud of my wonderful girlfriend's (EmSock24 ) family challenging #PostRefRacism with #PostRefLove pic.twitter.com/cVifjpKtkE