Labour deputy mayor Jo Coles has warned that hate crime in North Yorkshire is increasing, although she stressed that numbers remain low and community tensions should be kept in perspective.

Ms Coles, who oversees policing and fire responsibilities on behalf of York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith, made the comments at a meeting of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel on October 14.

Her remarks came during Hate Crime Awareness Week, following the launch of a new Interfaith Network – North Yorkshire at North Yorkshire Police Headquarters in Northallerton on October 13.

Asked what lessons North Yorkshire Police had learned from recent community tensions in Middlesbrough and on the south coast, and how it was engaging with community and faith groups, Ms Coles said operational matters were for the police to address.

However, she told the panel, which scrutinises policing and fire and rescue governance and funding across York and North Yorkshire, that she had established the new faith network to bring religious groups together.

Ms Coles said most people attending its first meeting were from Harrogate, meaning the town would host future network meetings.

Describing the latest hate crime figures, which are due to be published shortly, she said the trend was concerning but cautioned against overstating the level of risk.

She said:

Ms Coles described the first Interfaith Network meeting as “incredibly positive”, adding that its central message was that “prevention is stronger when religious groups come together”.