POLICE have launched an innovative way to tackle hate crime after it was revealed the number of reported incidents has nearly doubled in two years.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne launched the new mobile phone app which will allow victims to send a report straight to support services.

According to Government figures there were 1,447 hate crimes in the county in 2014/15, an increase of 84% over the 2012/13 total of 786.

There were 973 incidents of hate crime connected to race, 230 relating to sexual orientation, 108 with regards to religion, 107 disability, and 29 regarding transgender.

The aim of the app is to “empower victims” and Ms Bourne said the service “puts victims in the driving seat”.

The launch of the app on Tuesday at The Mesmerist in Prince Albert Street, Brighton, coincides with Hate Crime Awareness Week which runs until October 17.

Suchi Chaterjee, who works as a Sussex Police hate crime liaison officer, has experienced hate crime first hand – being abused twice due her disability.

She said: “So many people I have spoken to over the years don't bother to report to anyone what can often be horrific experiences of being abused, threatened, and assaulted, just because of who they are or who they are perceived to be.

“They also often don't know that they can access help and support from the likes of victim support even if they don't want to approach the police.”

Ms Chaterjee added: “I really hope this app will help people to feel they can report a hate crime to the police and victim support.”

The crime reporting app, called Self Evident, is an existing piece of technology developed by social enterprise Just Evidence.

Following investment from the PCC the app has been repurposed to be hate crime specific and to enable people to access help and advice.

It is available for both iPhones and phones with the Android operating system from iTunes and Google Play.

Ms Bourne said: "No one should be singled out and victimised because of their sexuality, gender, race, faith or disability.

"Many minority groups have not always had the same trust in the police. I am determined to improve this for everyone and that is why I fully support any initiative that tackles hate crime, which is a key priority in my police and crime plan.”