AN eye-catching mural has brightened up Southend High Street to raise awareness of an anti-hate crime initiative.

Southend Business Improvement District commissioned London based artist “Roo” to paint the image of a rat and lion as part of the group’s commitment to make sure hate crime becomes a thing of the past.

BID Manager, Suzanne Gloyne said: “Like many seaside towns, and indeed, the UK in general, Southend is a diverse community, composed of people from all manner of backgrounds, cultures and religions.

“During the summer months and other holiday periods, this almost invariably increases with visitors from London, nearby counties and overseas.

“Not only that, individuals and their families choose to relocate to Southend, to pursue careers in key institutions like our schools and hospitals, or to take up roles in places like our shops, restaurants, factories and any other place of work you can think of. So, it is important that we say to everyone that you are valued, welcomed and appreciated in our town.”

The striking image under the railway bridge has also been planned to help highlight the forthcoming National Hate Crime Awareness Week – running next week.

A hate crime is typically one that involves violence or a form of abuse that is motivated by hostility or prejudice on the basis of a person’s race, ethnicity or nationality, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Any incident which may or may not be a crime, that the victim or any other person perceives to be motivated by prejudice towards any aspect of someone’s identity is termed a hate incident.

Ms Gloyne added: “While the statistics for hate crime appear to be very low, we cannot afford to be complacent nor tolerate such criminal behaviour. In short, if you think it is a hate crime, it is. Whatever you are abused for being, if you call the police they will respond.”