Cumbria's crime commissioner Peter McCall has vowed to crack down on hate crime as senior officers confirmed they are investigating two racial abuse incidents.

Both happened on the day that the UK learned that the UK had opted to leave the European Union.

Mr McCall said the incidents – one in Workington and one in Maryport – are will be thoroughly investigated. The victims in both incidents were from Eastern Europe, say police.

“Any crime is unacceptable,” said Mr McCall, “but hate crime in particular has such a dramatic impact on people’s lives, and it undermines our communities.

“I would strongly encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed a hate crime or hate incident to come forward and report it and I can assure you it will be treated seriously.

This is the only way we can stamp out hate crime in the county.”

Cumbria Constabulary’s hate crime lead Detective Chief Inspector Roy Ledingham said: “Following the EU referendum, Cumbria Constabulary have received two reports of racial hate comments made to members of the public.

“Both of these instances occurred in west Cumbria.

“Hate crime will not be tolerated in this county and any allegation will be fully investigated.

“Such crimes can leave a long-lasting effect on the victim and there is simply no excuse for someone to be subjected to such abuse.”

Police are appealing for anyone who has witnessed or has information regarding hate crimes to come forward and make contact with Cumbria police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also report hate crime online at www.cumbria.police.uk or by visiting one of the 49 hate incident reporting centres located throughout the county.

A list of locations can be found here