Children were the victims in more than 300 racist or religiously-prejudiced hate crimes across Kent last year.

Data shows that over the past five years there's been an average of 269 of these kinds of reports every year in Kent, with the figures for 2022 up by a third.

The majority of alleged victims – 984 – have been aged between 11 and 15.

In most cases recorded since 2017 (411), the victim did not support further action from the police.

In 292 cases, no suspect was identified and there have only been 31 charges; 37 cases remain under investigation.

So far this year, 216 people under 18 have been the victim of a number of offences Kent Police class as racially or religiously-aggravated hate crime.

Data has revealed how 172 of these which were recorded between January and the end of July were violence against the person; 39 were public order offences.

Others which were allegedly directed towards under 18s so far this year were sexual offences (two), theft (one), robbery (one) and arson and criminal damage (one).

Reacting to the figures, Steve Goodsell from the charity Show Racism the Red Card, said: "The frightening thing is that the high number of reports is just the tip of the iceberg because there are so many incidents that don't get reported.

"We work with young people aged as young as seven or eight and racism has an impact upon them from that age onwards.

"It might not necessarily be a hate crime that's been directed towards them, but it could certainly be someone's used a racist slur towards them which can stay with them for the rest of their lives.

"We often hear in our workshops – particularly with adults – where they might disclose for the first time something that happened to them many years ago.

All children should be able to live their lives free from prejudice

"It's important that people are aware of what hate crime is and things that might be happening to them or might happen to them are not banter; it's not simple bullying, it's motivated by hatred against people because of a protected characteristic, and it's something that they have protection from by the law."

Chief Inspector Diane Middlemiss, of Kent Police’s Diversity and Inclusion Command, said: "All children should be able to live their lives free from prejudice and it is always very concerning when someone is targeted because of who they are, what they believe in, or where they come from.

"The introduction of schools officers in 2021 has given Kent Police new opportunities to educate young people about the harm certain words and actions can cause.

"They work closely with teachers and parents to promote kindness to others whilst also raising awareness of campaigns such as National Hate Crime Awareness Week and events such as the Say No to Hate Crime Youth Festival at The Grand in Gravesend and a recent pilot project in which young people engaged with police and partners on a gaming bus around subjects including online hate and extremism.

"Having police officers in schools also helps victims feel more comfortable about reporting incidents and accessing the support available to them through their schools and other outside organisations and charities who can provide specialist help and advice to victims of all ages.

"All victims of hate crime also receive direct contact from a Victim Support Hate Crime Advocate and an enhanced level of service from Kent Police including contact when appropriate from our Community Liaison Officers who can signpost them to any further assistance they may need.

"It is important to remember that those who commit hate crimes against children are often children themselves who may also be in need of our support.

"Educating these young people about why their actions are unacceptable and helping to steer them away from crime is preferable to prosecution in most cases and is often a more effective way to stop such offences being committed again."

Victims of hate crime are encouraged to report incidents either online at www.kent.police.uk/report, via the True Vision website or by calling 999 if a crime is in progress.