POLICE in Thurrock have highlighted an arrest in South Ockendon as an example of how they are tackling hate crime.

On Sunday, 23 June, town centre team officers secured charges and remanded a local man.

The man, aged in his 40s, attended the Derwent Parade area of South Ockendon on Saturday, 15 June.

While there, he was verbally abusive and made homophobic remarks towards volunteer staff members of nearby stores.

Officers attended reports of a drunken and abusive male on the day.

The 42-year-old from Ockendon was arrested on suspicion of public order offences, one of which being a hate crime and was taken to Grays custody.

Officers acted quickly to secure statements and other relevant evidence, submitting their findings to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

CPS returned their decision upon reviewing the evidence and the male was charged with two counts of public order, one being hate related, and the male was remanded to court, where he plead guilty to both offences.

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A statement from Thurock Police says: "We hope this serves as a reminder to local communities, that we do not tolerate hate speech in our communities and we will continue to work hard to support victims of hate crime!"