REPORT it, we will act - that is the message to victims of hate crime in Worcester from the police superintendent who promises a "robust stance" against perpetrators.

South Worcestershire superintendent Kevin Purcell has spoken out to show how officers are tackling a small increase in hate crimes on their patch amid more disturbing reports.

They include a four-year-old Asian girl attacked with a fake dog poo outside a city centre pub, a taxi driver punched in the face and, yesterday morning, a man charged for hurling racist abuse in Tallow Hill.

In the last month, Worcester News has also reported on teenagers throwing stones and chanting "Go home" outside a Polish family's home in Astwood Road as well as a drinker barred from the Cap 'n' Gown for telling a Polish man to "speak English".

Further afield, a Worcestershire cancer sufferer has told how a driver shouted "f****** Muslim" at her in Weymouth while she was wearing a headscarf to protect her from the sun.

Supt Purcell said: "Although we have noticed a small rise in incidents, a big concern is that incidents are not being reported because there is a perception people have to accept them or police, because they are busy, will not be able to respond.

"We will never truly know the extent of hate crime until we have full confidence of the community in reporting issues.

"This will only come from showing that when we have an incident we deal with it appropriately."

He has urged people to get in touch if they are victims of or witness to a hate crime and the perpetrators will be dealt with justly.

"I have absolute faith that if we can be notified of incidents in a timely manner we can bring people to justice.

"We have great confidence the criminal justice system is geared up to appropriately deal with such issues."

After the fake dog poo incident caused outrage across the country, he and other senior colleagues met with members of the Asian and Muslim community as well as councillors, the police and crime commissioner and our local MP Robin Walker.

"What I have taken from those meetings is there is significant support for West Mercia Police in Worcester however, undoubtedly due to international events, Brexit issues and concerns of events throughout the country, there's considerable disquiet and worry that the police must not only deal with all events efficiently but be seen to do so."

In response, he has spoken to officers about expectations of a higher standard of communication and investigation for all those who perceive what may have happened to them being a hate crime.

But what is a hate crime? Supt Purcell explained: "Often people will want to understand how we define hate crime.

"It's clear for me that it's about whether the victim feels they have been targetted in an attack or abuse particularly because of who they are, whether that's because of their sexuality, religion or ethnic background."

Speaking about Wednesday morning's arrest and court date for a man who is alleged to have shouted a racist slur at a 57-year-old in Tallow Hill, Supt Purcell said it is an example of how they are dealing with issues quickly.

"It sends a clear message that we, on behalf of communities and local leaders, take a robust stance around anyone trying to disrupt our good community relations or offend any given person.

"Worcester, and Worcestershire generally has a strong history of excellent community relations and, in part, West Mercia Police has been a key part of this.

"However, I realise that we must be alert to how people feel at the moment and not rest on our laurels.

"Key to us dealing with all issues appropriately will be asking people to immediately report events or incidents to give us the best possible opportunity of achieving reassurance and dealing with those who commit hate crimes."

For people who witness a hate crime, they can help secure a conviction by taking down key evidence if it is safe to do so.

"People will consider how they should react to seeing an incident they might class as a hate crime.

"For us, the best response is to record the details, what's being said and report it.

"If it's appropriate and safe to do so and you are able to, get any description of vehicles or people involved recorded using any means would be welcome.

"While I don't believe Worcester or Worcestershire is in any way a hotspot for such behaviour, what I do realise is every incident makes an individual and a community question if they will be next and how we value them as individuals and their contribution to community."

How to report a hate crime:

* In an emergency call 999

* For non-emergencies call 101

* Report online at www.report-it.org.uk

* Call in at a police station or stop police officers in the street

* Call the Victim Support national number - 0808 168 9111. You do not need to provide your name when reporting to Victim Support.

* Call North Worcestershire Victim Support on 01527 66462

* Call South Worcestershire and Herefordshire Victim Support on 01905 726885