POLICE officers are backing a campaign to tackle homophobia and transphobia as they join the fight against hate crime.

West Mercia Police is backing the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAGTB) today (Sunday).

West Mercia Police's Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner have joined forces to reinforce their commitment to tackle all forms of hate crime and give people the confidence to report such offences.

Chief Constable David Shaw said: "The number of homophobic and transphobic offences in West Mercia is relatively low but one offence is one too many and we are committed to ensuring people are not victimised because of who they are.

"We know that on a national level hate crimes of all types are underreported and my message today is that nobody should suffer in silence.

"The best way to tackle hate crime and bring offenders to justice is to report it."

West Mercia PCC Bill Longmore said: "It's horrifying to see in the media some of the abuses that people are subjected to worldwide because of their sexuality or the fact that they may be transgender. To think that sort of thing is still so prevalent anywhere is awful.

"I think we are fortunate to live in a society that is generally more tolerant than many across the globe, but that doesn't mean everything is perfect. We need to set the standard, and set an example to the rest of the world.

"We need to show that everyone across all sections of our society will be treated with respect, that we can all live together peacefully and happily, and that we won't tolerate behaviour from people who may challenge those basic principles."

A Hate crime is any criminal offence committed against a person or property that is motivated by an offender's hostility or prejudice towards someone because of their race or perceived race (including nationality, national origin, ethnic origin, race and colour), religion or perceived religion, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, disability or perceived disability, transgender or perceived transgender, individual characteristics that makes someone appear different, for example alternative lifestyle, culture, physical appearance and style of dress.

Hate crime can be reported by dialling 999 if it is an emergency, 101 if it is a non-emergency, online at True Vision (www.report-it.org.uk/www.report-it.org.uk), by calling a police station or stopping a police officer in the street.

Alternatively, callCrimestoppers on 0800 555111 or Victim Support on 0845 30 30 900

South Worcestershire residents can report hate crime at Malvern and Evesham Citizens Advice Bureau offices.