VICTIMS or witnesses of homophobic and transphobic hate crime have been urged to come forward and report it.

St Helens Council wants to reinforce the message that the town is ‘no place for hate’.

The message coincided with May 17, which was the 10th annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, promoting tolerance, respect and freedom, regardless of people’s sexual orientations or gender identities.

Rod Jones, St Helens Council’s community safety manager, said: “We want to reiterate the message that St Helens is No Place for Hate.”

Victims are urged to contact Stop Hate UK on 0800 138 1625, or the police on 101.