WEST Mercia Police have launched a new project that will enable people with learning disabilities to report hate crime.

The People in Partnership project will encourage adults with learning disabilities to attend 10 sessions aimed at teaching them how to deal with hate crime and encourage them to report it.

Research shows nearly nine out of 10 people with learning disabilities have been victims of bullying and as a result can become depressed and withdrawn.

A total of 18 people from across Worcestershire have signed up for the course.

Eight out of 10 sessions will take place at force headquarters, Hindlip Hall, Worcester. The other two sessions will consist of visits to Worcester Police Station and Worcester Crown Court, where participants can meet the Vulnerable Witness Team, chat to beat managers and Community Support Officers and learn more about reporting a crime.

West Mercia police diversity training supervisor Alistair Webster said: "The People in Partnership project was devised a number of years ago by Hertfordshire police.

"I have been working with colleagues and charities supporting people with learning disabilities in an effort to start the project in Worcestershire.

"We hope this will be the start of a good working with relationship between West Mercia and SpeakEasy NOW."

Detective inspector Gary Watson, hate crime liaison officer, added: "Hate crime, including name calling and other forms of bullying, will not be tolerated in West Mercia and we will take positive action to deal with it."