The low reporting of homophobic crime is being highlighted by staff and volunteers at Victim Support in Redbridge by wearing rainbow bands.

They also took time on Valentine’s Day to promote and celebrate Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans (LGBT) History month at their north-east London area centre in Bourne Court, Southend Road, Woodford Green.

Between 80 and 100 people have been wearing the rainbow bands throughout February, including witness service workers in Barkingside Magistrates’ Court and other courts in north-east London.

Jonathan Woodhams, a serious violent crime worker for Redbridge, said: “Low reporting of homophobic crime is a problem everywhere.

“There are a number of factors, people are fearful to come forward.

“They may never have told their families they are gay or bisexual and there’s a fear of reprisals if they think they’ve been targeted.”