Eastwood hate crime victims offered help
A drop-in centre to help the victims of hate crime is being set up in Nottinghamshire.
Broxtowe Borough Council and the Council for Equality and Human Rights will provide the weekly sessions for residents of the Eastwood area.
Advice and support will be offered by advisers at Eastwood Volunteer Bureau in Wellington Place beginning in March.
The council said there had been an increase in hate crime attacks on takeaway staff and the disabled.
A spokesman said: "Hate crimes may include any type of abuse - from a verbal or physical attack to graffiti, damage to property, offensive literature or even arson.
"Anyone can be a victim of hate crime and you do not have to be a member of a minority group or someone who is generally considered vulnerable."
Officials added this type of crime often went unreported and therefore the true levels were difficult to judge.