Hate crime across North Ayrshire has soared by more than a third when compared to the same period in 2022-23.

Some 120 crimes were reported from April to December, compared to 88 in the same period last year – a rise of 36 per cent.

Six repeat victims have been identified during the nine months of the year being examined.

Four, including one Syrian male, were subjected to racial abuse, and two were the victims of transphobic/homophobic crimes. 

Seven repeat locations were identified, three of which related to the repeat complainers.

The vast majority of hate crimes - 76 per cent - occurred in public spaces, including shops, throughout North Ayrshire.

There were also incidents at a number of other indoor locations, including schools, licensed premises and police stations. 

Around 44 per cent of hate crimes directed at members of the public were committed by someone known to them.

Most racial crimes were directed at members of the public rather than police officers, the report revealed. 

The figures were contained in a Police Scotland report to North Ayrshire Council's police and fire and rescue committee.