The number of hate crimes based on someone's sexuality or gender identity in Kent hit a five-year high last year.

Data from Kent Police shows there were 839 recorded last year.

The force received 723 reports of hate crime due to someone's sexuality and another 116 based on gender.

That is a rise of 27% and 55% respectively on 2020's figures.

In 70 instances, someone has received a charge, summons, or postal requisition in relation to sexuality-based hate crimes.

But nobody had such action made against them in connection to gender-based hate crime report. Other interventions included community resolutions, penalty notice, or charges for other offences,

In the majority of cases recorded last year (183), a victim was identified but evidential difficulties prevented further action.

So far this year, the force has seen 567 sexuality-based hate crimes and 81 gender-based. Of those 144 remain under investigation.

Ch Supt Amanda Tillotson, Kent Police's head of diversity and inclusion said: "Crimes motivated by hatred towards an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity or other characteristics are completely unacceptable and tackling such offences is a priority for Kent Police.

"So far this year, 28 reported hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity have resulted in a suspect being charged but it is important to remember that a charge is one of more than 20 possible outcomes following a criminal investigation.

"A further 10 reports resulted in community resolution orders whereby the offender accepted responsibility and sought to make amends with the victim.

"An additional nine cautions have been issued and 144 reports remain under investigation.

"Most importantly, a criminal prosecution is not always what the victim wants. The use of alternative outcomes helps us to fulfil the wishes of the victim whilst addressing the unacceptable behaviour of the offender.

"Kent Police remains committed to providing the very best service to victims of hate crime and we have a number of dedicated officers including community liaison officers and a hate crime advocate who ensures every victim receives support.

"Our approach to tackling hate crime is also regularly scrutinised in consultation with our Independent Police Advisory Groups, and we are developing new training packages to ensure all officers can identify hate crimes at the earliest opportunity and provide the necessary support and safeguarding for those affected.

"The population of Kent is diverse and consists of people from a wide range of backgrounds, none of whom deserve to be targeted for who they are.

"Hate crimes remain under-reported and we continue to work hard to engage with hard-to-reach communities and other vulnerable individuals to ensure they have the confidence to come forward, safe in the knowledge that we will carry out a full and thorough investigation and take the most appropriate action in dealing with those responsible.

"Anyone who wishes to report a hate crime is encouraged to call Kent Police on 101 or 999 if an offence is in progress, or to visit their local police station or reporting hub.

'The population of Kent is diverse and consists of people from a wide range of backgrounds, none of whom deserve to be targeted for who they are'

"Support and advice is also available from a number of national organisations including Crimestoppers, Tell MAMA, the Community Security Trust, Galop and Stop Hate UK."

Reacting to the comments, Nancy Kelley, chief executive of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights charity, Stonewall, said: "These statistics are deeply worrying and highlight an alarming rise in lesbian, gay, bi, and queer people being targeted because of who they are.

"Behind these figures are people whose lives have been damaged by hatred and abuse.

"These figures are another reminder that the constant drumbeat of anti LGBTQ+ sentiment in media and politics has a human cost.

"As a society, we all need to do more to combat anti-LGBTQ+ violence and call out abuse, harassment and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment wherever we see it, but we also need a greater commitment from the police to take decisive action to follow up and investigate these offences."