Following the recent rise in hate crime across the UK, the Liberal Democrat Leader Tim Farron has written to all Police Crime Commissioners calling on them to take urgent action.

In the letter, Tim Farron warns that Britain’s future as a tolerant country could be at risk if the new hostile climate for immigrants becomes permanent.

“This type of vile abuse needs to stop and we need to work together to try and get rid of it,” Mr Farron told The Independent.

“The Britain I know is a open, decent, liberal and tolerant place. We have always been a beacon of hope for those in need.

“I am writing to every Police Commissioner to ask them to prioritise this issue and make sure they reach out to community leaders.”