RACIST abuse “will not be tolerated” in Gwent, police and crime commissioner Jeff Cuthbert has said following reports of an increase in hate crime in the days up to and following last week’s Brexit vote.

Gwent Police has confirmed it is investigating an incident directly linked with the result of Thursday’s referendum, part of an overall increase in racist physical and verbal abuse, as well as vandalism, graffiti and threatening behaviour, reported across the UK following last Thursday.

The force also reported a 46 per cent increase in hate crimes in the weeks running up to polling day.

Mr Cuthbert, who was elected to the role last month after his predecessor Ian Johnston opted not to run for a second term, said he was committed to stamping out racism and hate crime across the region.

“Some of our elected representatives including John Griffiths, the AM for Newport East, have highlighted that a number of their constituents have expressed concerns and anxiety after seeing incidents of hate in other parts of the UK following the results of the EU referendum vote,” he said.

“We don’t want victims to suffer in silence and I want to make it clear that any racial abuse will not be tolerated here in Gwent.

“The police will take a very serious view of the matter and there will be consequences for the perpetrators.

“We urge any victim to report these incidents so they can be dealt with appropriately.”

Lead for hate crime for Gwent, detective chief superintendent Mark Warrender, who is also chairman of the Wales Hate Crime and Criminal Justice Board, said he understood people may be concerned following Thursday’s vote.

“The police service takes all reports of hate crime seriously and takes a zero tolerance to perpetrators,” he said.

“In Gwent, all of our officers have received hate crime training and we also have a dedicated team of hate crime support officers who can provide specialist support.

“In Wales additional support for victims is available from Victim Support who can provide emotional and practical assistance.”

To report any kind of racist abuse or hate crime call 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Information can also be reported anonymously Victim Support on 0300 303 1982 or via reporthate.victimsupport.org.uk.