Avon and Somerset police have reported a 6% drop in hate crimes, with incidents falling to 3,857 from last year's 4,117, according to the latest Home Office figures.

This reduction contrasts with the national situation for England and Wales, where there was a 7% rise in recorded hate crime offences over the same period.

However, the local figures still mark a 23% increase from the statistics five years ago, in 2017/18.

Authorities note that the rise in recorded hate crime nationally in recent years has generally been attributed to better crime recording practices and an enhanced understanding within the police force of what constitutes hate crime.

In Avon and Somerset, the majority of hate crimes in 2022/23 were racially motivated, accounting for 72% of incidents. Incidents based on sexual orientation were the second most common at 16.5%, followed by disability-related hate crimes at 9%, religious hate crimes at 4%, and those related to gender identity at 3%. This is in line with the national picture, where racial bias motivates 70% of hate crime.

A notable exception to the downward trend in the region was hate crimes based on gender identity, which actually saw an increase from the previous year, with 119 offences recorded in 2022/23 compared to 102 in 2021/22.

A spokesperson from the Avon and Somerset police said: "While we are encouraged by the overall decrease in hate crime in our region, the rise in gender identity hate crimes is concerning. It underscores the need for ongoing community education and support to address all forms of hate crime. We remain committed to working with the community to tackle prejudice and ensure safety for all."