"WE will not allow hate to become acceptable."

That is the very clear and simple message from Redditch councillors following a surge in hate crime across the UK following country’s decision to leave the European Union.

Locally, West Mercia Police have reported no rise.

But following Thursday’s vote, a hate crime took place in Redditch on Saturday, June 26.

Between 2.16am and 4.30am a taxi office received an abusive call, later a person rode by on a motorcycle and made further remarks.

In the West Mercia area 10 hate crime incidents were reported to police as having taken place during June 17 to 19, four of which had a racially aggravating factor.

Six hate crime incidents were reported as having taken place from June 24 to 26, four of these had a racially aggravating factor.

A motion to stop hate crimes will be put forward at full council on July 25.

Councillor Juliet Brunner, leader of the Conservative group in Redditch, said: "We in Redditch are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our town or country.

"The elected representatives on Redditch Borough Council, condemn racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable.

"Councillors and officers of Redditch Borough Council will continue to work to support local bodies and programmes such as the North Worcestershire Hate incident partnership, to prevent and tackle racism and xenophobia."

Cllr Brunner added: "We reassure all people living in Redditch that they are valued members of our community."

Council leader Bill Hartnett agreed with the motion.

"These sorts of crimes can never be accepted," he said.

"But I know the good that happens in Redditch as well. We are a multicultural town, Redditch is the most diverse district in the county. "

Redditch MP Karen Lumley condemned the racially motivated attacks.

She said: "All of the reported acts about which we have heard over the last few days are outrageous and disgust me to the core, and I would like to think everyone in Redditch feels the same.

"Redditch has a sizeable population of either first or subsequent generation immigrants from many countries who have arrived over a considerable number of years – including from Ireland, Pakistan, India, Poland, Romania and many other countries.

"While I voted for an exit from the EU, I most certainly did not vote for intolerance in any way, shape or form. Immigrants over the years have added immeasurably to the richness of our country and our town, and to our economy, and it is a source of utter revulsion to me to think of any of them feeling uncomfortable at this time."

She added that the country needed to “calm down” and that following Brexit the Government needs to consider its options and reach a solution that is beneficial for all UK citizens.