A growing number of children in Leicestershire are being victimised because of their race or religion, according to research by the NSPCC.
The charity said 100 children or young people were targeted in faith or race-based hate crimes in 2016/16, compared 61 in the previous year.
The charity’s 24-hour Childline hotline has launched a campaign called Understand Me to encourage young people to speak out against discrimination.
It believes the official Leicestershire Police figures do not reflect the full extent of abuse young people face.
Childline and the NSPCC said the number of incidents rose in the wake of terror attacks.
Any child worried about bullying can call Childline on 0800 11 11. Any adult who is concerned about a child can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0800 800 5000.
