THE leader of West Oxfordshire District Council has condemned incidents of "appalling" hate crime that are on the rise since the EU Referendum vote.

Echoing a statement in the House of Commons by Prime Minister and Witney MP David Cameron, Councillor James Mills said recent reports of verbal abuse and xenophobic threats aimed at ethnic minorities should not be tolerated.

He said: "The UK enjoys worldwide recognition as a tolerant and peace loving nation - we have a diverse mix of cultures and races contributing to our economic and social wellbeing and everyone deserves respect.

"This recent increase in hate crime is despicable and there is no place for it, both here in West Oxfordshire and across the country."

Mr Mills added the council works with the police and other organisations to prevent hate crime incidents in the district.

The council is also backing a new emergency campaign by Amnesty International to combat racism and xenophobia.

He added: "All people living in West Oxfordshire are seen as valued members of our communities, including those from other nations, many of whom have made remarkable contributions to our culture and collective prosperity.

"We will not stand for hate crime. These kinds of attacks must be stamped out."

West Oxfordshire District Council has a web page dedicated to combating hate crime which offers advice and support for those who have suffered or witnessed abuse of this kind. Visit westoxon.gov.uk for more.