Superintendent visits Sikh temple in Northampton to offer reassurance

Head of local policing Supt Chris Hillery visited a Sikh Temple in Northampton.

He was accompanied by the force’s two community engagement officers, PC Nick Stephens and DC Rachel Packman.

A police spokeswoman said the visit was a proactive approach in response to recent concerns about hate crime.

After meeting children at the community centre Superintendent Hillery then addressed members in the temple and reassured them that no rise in reported hate crime had occurred in the county although acknowledging that reports had increased in other parts of the UK.

He also explained that all incidents of hate crime would be investigated thoroughly and the police would not tolerate it.

Amarjit Atwal from the Northampton Sikh community said: “I was pleased with the visit and the quick response from the police in addressing our concerns about hate crime.

“It affects all communities and it was good to hear the police take reports seriously.”