The leader of Richmond Council, Cllr Gareth Roberts has issued a response to a racial hatred incident that happened in Twickenham yesterday.

Police were called to reports of a group trying to remove and set fire to Union flags in Church Street, Twickenham just after 6pm last night

Three men were arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage and inciting racial hatred.

It's alleged they had made remarks about the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza.

Cllr Gareth Roberts, has reiterated the Council's commitment to tackling hate crime in Richmond upon Thames.

He said: "I want to thank the Metropolitan Police for their swift action in arresting the individuals involved in this incident and want to reassure our communities that we will continue to work closely with the police to monitor incidents and ensure action is taken."

 "Hate has no place in our society. Richmond upon Thames is the safest borough in London, and I am grateful to all those who work together, our community partners, police, faith leaders and Council officers, to make sure our residents and visitors are safe from crimes fuelled by hate.'

He added: "I'd also like to urge people to report hate crime when they witness it. Silence hides hate, so no matter how small or trivial you think an incident might be, it is important it is acknowledged and reported.

"Reporting also means that you will get access to support and advice to help you feel safe again."

 You can report a hate crime or incident in the following ways: 

• Call 999 if it is an emergency and a crime is in progress. 
• Call 101 in a non-emergency to report, whether you're a victim, witness or making a report for someone else. 
• Report it online via the Met Police website 
• If you want to report crime completely anonymously to the police, use https://crimestoppers-uk.org 
• Stop Hate UK offers a 24-hour telephone number for people wanting to report hate crime. They also offer support and advice to those affected by hate crime and discrimination. Call 0800 138 1625 or go to www.stophateuk.org/report-hate-crime 
• For a confidential 24-hour helpline for young people under 18, call 0808 801 0576 or text 07717 989 025 or visit www.callhateout.org