CHESHIRE police has vowed to combat hate crime.

The constabulary teamed up with police forces across the north west to hold various events this week to encourage victims to seek help.

Nick Bailey, acting assistant chief constable, said: “Everyone in Cheshire should feel free to be themselves. No one should face violence, abuse or hated just because of who they are, who they love, where they are from, what they look like or what they believe.

“Being targeted because of your race, gender identity, religion/faith, sexual orientation or disability is a hate crime and we are determined to do all we can to stop all forms of hate crime.”

Cheshire Constabulary is committed to making the experience of reporting hate crime as easy as possible for all victims and witnesses.

During North West Forces Hate Crime Week, Cheshire constabulary staff will be out and about with its hate crime car and PCSOs across the force will be holding and attending events to raise awareness of hate crime.

Police will be at Runcorn Shopping City on Thursday, February 8.

PCSO Moira McLaughlin will host the event in Runcorn from 10am to 4pm.

She said: “I have invited disability groups, Halton youth LGBT group GLOW, Cheshire Constabulary Minority Ethnic Group (CCMEG) and third party reporting centres along to provide some direction, support and advice where needed.”

Hate crime can be reported to the police by calling 101, or in an emergency 999.

Anyone who does not feel comfortable talking to the police can report hate crime online via True Vision at report-it.org.uk/home or at a third party reporting centre.

For a full list of reporting centres in Cheshire visit cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/hate-crime/third-party-reporting-centres.