Residents who experience racial, homophobic and domestic abuse are urged not to suffer in silence.

Det Insp Robin Peel, who leads Redbridge’s Community Safety Unit, is encouraging residents to report any incidents of hate crime.

Last week, the Recorder reported the case of a Muslim schoolteacher who had been verbally abused in Woodford Green and Det Insp Peel said it is vital that victims come forward and talk to the police.

“It is important to us because it allows us to create a picture of where incidents are occurring,” he said.

“We would always encourage people to phone 999 if it is an emergency, 101 if it isn’t, visit their local police station or on the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime hate crime app.”

Det Insp Peel, who graduated as a police constable in 2002 and embarked on his career in Hackney, said he is passionate about achieving justice in the borough.

“I don’t want to just record it, I want to solve it,” he said.

“In Redbridge, none of the hate crime incidents reported to the police between June 23 and July 1 were linked to the referendum.

“People need to be aware that if they report it to us, we will take it seriously and help prosecute people carrying out these incidents.”

The nature of these crimes means statements from witnesses are vital.

The inspector added: “It can come down to word against word for these sort of crimes.

“There are regular people who stand around and do not agree with the abuse they overhear and they should report it.

“If they report it, we get a sense of what is going on.”

Victims of hate crime are often unwilling to support a prosecution, which can halt proceedings.

Det Insp Peel said: “A number of victims are unwilling to support a prosecution.

“Someone has to have enough confidence in the police to report it and support it.

“If they aren’t, it can create barriers which make it difficult for us to proceed.

“I want everyone to know that we are here to help.”