THERE has been a rise in the number of racially-aggravated attacks taking across the country since the referendum result was announced on Friday morning.

Angus Macpherson, police and crime commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, says that such assaults, abuse or harassment will be brought before the courts.

He said: “The UK has a long-standing commitment to stamping out prejudice-fuelled crime.

“I am disturbed to see reported rises in racially-aggravated and religious incidents across the country since Friday morning.

“I am aware that Wiltshire Police is investigating a potentially racially-aggravated assault on a Polish woman in Salisbury on Friday evening. 

“Some of these incidents are very serious, and suggest that there are people who feel that the result of Thursday’s vote somehow means that this is no longer criminal behaviour.

“On the contrary, in or out of Europe, they remain crimes and dealing with them effectively and robustly is a policing priority. I know my fellow police and crime commissioners feel the same way.

“Wiltshire Police is committed to bringing cases of such assaults, abuse or harassment before the courts. To commit such crimes is to risk a stiff sentence.”