Police in UK record rise in hate crimes since start of war 

Figures released by the British police reveal that there has been a rise in hate incidents since the start of the war on Gaza following Hamas’ attack on Israel on 7 October. 

The figures, provided by some of the UK’s largest police forces, suggest there has been a sharp rise in Islamophobia, as well as examples of antisemitic hate crimes.

West Yorkshire Police stated that between 7 October and 7 November, Islamophobic offences rose to 49 incidents from 29 during the same period in 2022 - something they said represented the biggest increase they had witnessed.

Merseyside Police also said that Islamophobic offences rose from six to 10 for the same date range compared to 2022.

There has also been a significant increase in hate crimes recorded by the British Transport Police, who noted that Islamophobic offences jumped from two to 22.

Greater Manchester Police recorded 74 antisemitic incidents compared with 15 during the same period the previous year.

Met's commander for criminal justice Paul Trevers called the rise in religious hate crime in the capital "absolutely unacceptable".

"No one should be subjected to hate because of their faith or race, and we are taking action against those who are offending," he said.

Read more: Police in UK record rise in hate crimes since start of war