Victims or witnesses of "hate incidents" have been urged to report them at their nearest Citizens Advice Bureau.

A hate incident is when someone is targeted because of their disability, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation. They also include verbal or physical attacks. Where a crime also takes place, it can then be referred to as a hate crime.

Caron Waters, Watford CAB manager, said: “We all have the right to live free from violence, harassment or hostility, but over the years we have seen cases how devastating hate incidents and discrimination can be on individuals, families and the wider community. Hate incidents target people because of who they are.

“We want people to feel able to come in and tell us about any form of discrimination whether experiencing or witnessing hate incidents and no matter how minor they might seem. Hate incidents are a form of discrimination and can be a consequence or underlying cause of other problems that people come to us for in search of advice.”

The appeal is part of Advice Week 2010, which takes place from Monday, October 11, to Friday, October 15, and this year is focussing on discrimination.

To report a hate crime, telephone police officer Nobby Jutla on 01923 472085, telephone the police non-emergency number on 0845 3300222 or telephone Watford CAB on 0844 8269726.

In an emergency, dial 999.