RACIAL hate crime has risen markedly in South Ayrshire, according to new Police Scotland figures – while crimes of violence, sexual assault and traffic offences are also on the up.

The report says the increase in violence, which includes more serious violent crime and lesser offences, is “due to the number of minor assaults both on emergency workers and the public”.

Domestic abuse during the first three months of this year were up 23.8 per cent on the figure for the same three months in 2022/23, with a 27.9 per cent increase on the five year average.

The report continues: “Examination of the rape crimes shows a marked increase in the numbers this year compared with both last year and the five-year average.

“Sexual assaults have noted a marked increase during the first three months of this year on both last year and the 5-year average.

Want to see more SNP fails? – Health Matters