A Glasgow community has united in an attempt to stop racist thugs blighting their neighbourhood after a series of incidents.

Members of the new Glasgow South West International Forum have vowed to stamp out race and hate crime in the area.

They have also called on victims or witnesses to report every incident.

Their campaign follows a number of incidents in which people from ethnic minorities have been spat on and verbally abused.

Community leaders believe victims are often too frightened to alert police, while some do not realise a crime has been committed.

This, the leaders say, means low-level racism is going unreported and perpetuates a culture of hate.

David Reilly, of the charity Positive Action In Housing, which supports asylum seekers and refugees in the area, said: "People from all different backgrounds enjoy living in Govan.

"However, people have reported being spat on and abused in the street. This includes people from African communities and new European migrants, such as Poles.

"We are concerned that too many people put up with this as they don't see the point in reporting it to police or their landlords."

The forum aims to encourage more victims to come forward by promoting a third-party reporting scheme, where individuals get help from organisations, including Govan Housing Association and the YMCA.

Angela Gardiner, of Govan Housing Association, said: "The forum has indigenous Glaswegians, refugees and asylum seekers and some of the Polish community, so it is quite representative of Govan. The forum is committed to tackling racism."

Nigerian minister Michael Angley Ogwache, 42, is one of the many determined to stand up to racist thugs after being confronted by a gang.

Reverend Ogwache, who moved to Govan with wife Christiana and their three children around two years ago, said: "I was in Elderpark Street at the drop-in centre. I came out to my car and they broke the side mirror.

"I tried to talk to them and one got out a knife. Another one spat right into my mouth..

"I reported it to police straight away. It's very important to report these incidents. The third-party reporting is a good idea."