I am abused because of my skin colour, says PC

A police officer says he has been the victim of more than 21 racially aggravated assaults and hate crimes from the public over the last three years.

PC Mourad Karaouani, who works in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, said when he first joined Humberside Police "there were hate incidents every week".

Karaouani, a firefighter before changing careers, said he was once told by a colleague "you are number one in [the] East Riding for being a victim of hate crime".

His experiences form part of an anti-racism campaign called Protect The Protectors, which is organised by the Police Federation - a body that represents rank-and-file officers.

Chief Constable Chris Todd said: "There is no room in my force, or in society as a whole, for this kind of behaviour, and my staff and officers do not come to work to suffer hate crime or racism of any kind.

"We take all reports of this nature extremely seriously, and each and every one of them will be treated in exactly the same way as we investigate reports from members of the public in our communities."

The Humberside branch of the federation carried out a survey and reported that more than 50% of minority ethnic officers and staff had experienced racial abuse while on duty.

Karaouani recalled one incident when he was assaulted and subjected to a torrent of racial slurs.

He said: "It was happening so often that it was reviewed by supervisors, and it was established that there was definitely nothing that I was saying that was instigating that kind of hate.

"It was just because of my skin colour."

The federation said Karaouani was asked if he would like to change stations and go to a more multicultural area, where it might be easier for a black officer.

He decided to remain in the town, explaining: "I like my team here, and if I go somewhere else just because it's easier for me, what about other officers?

"What about other people that come to Bridlington to live, and who are from different minorities or have a different skin colour?

"Why do I have to move somewhere else to avoid those kinds of incidents? In fact, those people need to change their mindset."

Karaouani said there had been occasions when he has not reported every instance of verbal abuse, but he still thinks it is important to report hate crimes.

Listen to highlights fromHull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look Northor tell us about a story you think we should be coveringhere.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices