A SENIOR Police Scotland officer says that he is aware of increased community tensions and concerns within the LGBT+ communities following events and incidents across Scotland and the United Kingdom.

And he insists that the force takes a “zero tolerance” approach to all hate crime.

Hate crime is defined as any crime which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated (wholly or partly) by malice or ill will towards a social group.

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There are five groups or protected characteristics covered by the hate crime legislation, disability. race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender Identity.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie urged victims of hate crime and anyone aware of another person being targeted to report the incident to the police.

He said: “Police Scotland is aware of increased community tensions and concerns within our LGBT+ communities following events and incidents across Scotland and the United Kingdom.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and we have officers within your communities to provide reassurance and assistance. 

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“We will continue to monitor developments and work closely with local partners to ensure people and communities have the support required whenever they need it. 

“Police Scotland has a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime. If you have been targeted because of your disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity, we want you to report it.

“If you are aware of someone else being targeted, we also want you to report it.

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“Contact us by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. British Sign Language communities can utilise Contact Scotland BSL or the BSL 999 service.

“Other methods of contact include SMS 999 and Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“If you are a victim or witness to any crime or targeting of individuals and communities, this can also be reported using our online hate crime reporting form  on the Police Scotland website or via one of our Third Party Reporting Centres.”

Officers in the Scottish Borders say that their enquiries into two instances of hate crime in Hawick and Galashiels on Saturday February 4 are continuing.