SOUTH Wales Police has renewed its commitment to work closely with the community to tackle hate crime.

It comes as the home secretary announced a series of measures to tackle the issue in the wake of a spike in incidents nationwide following the Brexit vote.

South Wales police and crime commissioner, Alun Michael, said: "The raft of new measures announced by the home secretary, entitled the Hate Crime Action Plan, called on communities across Britain to come together and stand united against those who use hate to divide us and that is already a clear priority for me and for the chief constable.

"We welcome the proposal for there to be a new assessment of the level of racist, religious and homophobic bullying going on in schools and for more guidance on how to report it.

"Wales has always had proud tradition of welcoming people from around the world and it is our diversity that makes us stronger.

"We are grateful to all those who choose this small nation to work and live.

Assistant chief constable Richard Lewis added: "In the five weeks since the results of the European referendum we have not had an increase in hate crime incidents reported to us.

"However, that is not to say that abuse of this nature is not taking place.

"We urge anyone who has been subjected to any behaviour of this type to contact us on 101.

"South Wales has a long and proud tradition of strong, diverse communities and we will not tolerate any criminal actions that undermine this.

"Hate crime are totally unacceptable under any circumstances and victims can be reassured that they will be fully investigated and robust action taken against those responsible."