Racist hate crimes rise by more than a third in Glasgow

Racist hate crimes have risen by 34% in Glasgow as Police Scotland warns of community tensions.

The force warned that a violent demonstration in June was of “concern” as it was the first time in recent history that Glasgow saw groups “roaming the streets, directing violence to targeted individuals”.

Some 250 people dressed in black and wearing masks gathered in Buchanan Street before marching around the city centre on June 9. A number of men were assaulted due to the colour of their skin during the rally.

The incident followed the death of student Henry Nowak and concerns about the police response and the assault of Stephen Ogilvie in Belfast with a Sudanese man accused of the attack.

In a report presented to this week’s Safe Glasgow Partnership meeting, Police Scotland said a 33.97% increase in reported racial hate crimes “may be attributed to ongoing community tensions”.

A total of 560 racial hate crimes were recorded during the first quarter of this financial year up from 418 compared to the previous year.

Glasgow Chief Superintendent Emma Croft told the meeting retail staff and police officers have been the targets of racial hate crimes.

A Police Scotland report reads: “There is a sense from our community engagement that there is an increase in local tensions impacting both our communities and migrants.”

“Police officers and security staff within the retail sector continue to be the groups most affected by hate crime.

“Partnerships officers are currently carrying out joint work with relevant stakeholders to support the retail sector with regards to hate crime.”

Chief Superintendent Croft also called for misinformation to be dispelled as officers are responding to incidents fuelled by information that is factually incorrect.

Safe Glasgow Partnership chair Paul McCabe said: “A huge thanks to police officers for keeping us safe.”