'We stand together': Hundreds rally against hate crimes
Hundreds of people joined rallies across the East Midlands today in a show of unity against hate crime.
It comes after a surge in the number of reports of racial abuse and attacks nationwide following the EU referendum - with the National Police Chiefs Council saying it had seen a 57 per cent rise in the days following the vote.
Video report by Charlotte Cross:
People gathered in both Derby and Leicester city centres, waving banners and chalking messages of support on the pavement in a show of solidarity.
Organiser of the rally outside Derby City Council House, David Clasby, told ITV News Central he had been inspired to pull the event together after hearing about abuse suffered by his friends.
Their experiences had come in the wake of the June 23 vote to leave the European Union, he said.
"Unfortunately, there's a very small minority of people who have used the vote last week as an excuse to bring up racist, xenophobic comments and to make people uncomfortable,” he added.
“And the vast majority of us - maybe the silent majority, but today they haven't been so silent - we've got to say 'no'.
"I love walking around Derby, and seeing what a multi-cultural society we are - that's what makes us great."
Among the speakers was Derbyshire Green Party chairman Marten Kats, a Dutch-born immigrant who has since been granted British citizenship.
He too said some of his friends had been shouted at in the street.
"I came to this country as an immigrant myself and I always saw this country as a tolerant and open society. I felt welcome here,” he said.
“I became a British citizen because for me, this is home. And sadly, since the referendum, we have a situation where friends of mine have been told to pack their bags and go home."
Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa made an unannounced appearance at the rally, giving a rousing speech calling on people to show unity and speak out against hate crime.
“If there is even the potential for people to think they are freer to discriminate, we have to send the message that that is not allowed,” he said.
“I also want to send a message to people that they don’t have to suffer in silence. Speak to somebody - police, a support organisation - and we will help you.
“We have to stamp out hate crime in all its forms.”