POLICE have vowed to crackdown on racism aimed at Hampshire’s travelling community.

And they have appealed for any victims or racist abuse to come forward so they can take action against those behind the crime.

It comes after it was revealed some 91 per cent of travellers said they had experienced discrimination due to their ethnicity.

The figures were revealed by the Traveller Movement, a national charity committed to the fulfilment of human rights for ethnic minority Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people.

The statistics were posted on social media by Waterside Police, whose officers said that Gypsies, Travellers and Roma “support and enrich society”.

Now, they have warned that any crime that results as a consequence of ignorance, prejudice or hate, is regarded as unacceptable.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: “Any crime perpetuated through ignorance, prejudice or hate is wholly unacceptable.

“We would encourage anyone who suffers this to report it to us, this can be done online on our website or by calling 101, or 999 if it is an emergency.”

The figures also reveal that 76 per cent of Gypsies, Travellers and Roma have hidden their ethnicity to avoid prejudice or discrimination.

A total of 77 per cent said they had experienced hate crime or hate speech, while 55 per cent said they had been refused services because of their ethnicity.

Waterside Police also wrote on social media: “If you witness or are a victim of racism, telephone 101 or 999 if at risk so Hampshire Police can investigate and support.”

Figures, which include travellers from across the UK, also revealed that 30 per cent have experienced discrimination when accessing health care.

It comes as separate plans for three traveller pitches in Hampshire have all been refused.

Winchester City Council has thrown out the individual applications, which were seeking permission to use different patches of land in Hambledon.