AFTER seeing an spike in racist crimes this week, Greater Manchester is driving home the message that it has ‘no room for hate’.

Many Mancuians have spoken out after a man was horrifically abused by young thugs on an early morning commute in the city centre.

A video surfaced of youths hurling racist abuse at a fellow passenger on a tram from Shudehill to Market Street on Tuesday.

The victim had asked the beer-swigging teenagers to stop swearing and they responded by shouting 'Get Back to Africa.'

The incident went viral on social media and attracted major media attention, with widespread condemnation of the youngsters’ actions.

A 20-year-old man, an 18-year-old man, and a 16-year-old boy were arrested and bailed pending further enquiries.

Now a police chief is urging those who witness hate crimes to report it immediately – and anyone who records such incidents on their phones to contact the police instead of just sharing the footage on social media.

Deputy Chief Constable Ian Pilling said: “Over the last few days there has been a small increase in the number of hate incidents reported to Greater Manchester Police.

“While we cannot categorically say whether the increase is related to any particular event. I wish to make it absolutely clear that all hate crime is unacceptable and even a small increase is of concern to us. It is really important that we have an accurate picture of hate crime in Greater Manchester so that we can deal with it in the most effective way possible.

“So, I now want to make a wider appeal to the people of Greater Manchester – where you see it, report it.

“We suspect that the majority of hate crimes, like several crime types, go unreported, which is why it’s vital that people tell us about what has happened to them.

"Also, I would urge anyone with mobile footage of suspected hate crimes to report it to the police rather than just share it on social media platforms – unless police officers are made aware they cannot investigate it and catch offenders.

“Also, many people in our communities will be feeling anxious right now as a result of the perception that a small number of people are using recent events to give ill-judged legitimacy to their hate-filled views.

"What’s happening in Greater Manchester appears to reflect a national picture that has emerged in recent days. True Vision, the national online reporting site, has told us they have received some disgraceful examples of racial abuse around the country this week."

Altrincham resident Kevin Parker caught media attention after tweeting a message of solidarity in the wake of the abuse.

He said: “The key message from last week’s referendum is don’t walk on by in Manchester. Stand up to hate, be vocal, be loud, act as a community, stand together and let’s send a very clear message that Manchester welcomes everyone and there is no room for hate.

"If you try to hurt or attack one of us, we as a collective will defend them.”

Reflecting on the incident and rise in racism in the city, Kevin offered some words of advice for Mancunians.

“Everyone has their part to play in fighting any form of racism and fascism in this wonderfully diverse and loving city,” he said.

“Manchester is made up of several boroughs with a diverse and ever changing population that needs both respect and looking out for each other – you fall over in Manchester and others come to help you rather than walking by.

“Would you see this in other Metropolitan busy cities?

“Whilst ‘diverse’ is a commonly used word, just look around how integrated Manchester really is; it has one of the largest Gay villages in Europe, it has its own China town, major sporting events, it has a great mix of population ranging from the wealthy to job seekers wanting to get on in life.

“And what of the people who live in Manchester. The world’s population comes together as one in this fine city – straight, gay, white, black Asian, Chinese, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, people of no faith at all living together as one.

“Yes, we may have our differences but what we all have is mutual respect and an understanding that life is too short to be spent hating which adds nothing of value to anyone.”

Anyone who experiences abusive behaviour is encouarged to report it by calling the police on 101 or using the True Vision website (report-it.org.uk).

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.