There were more than 500 race hate incidents reported in the North in six months

More than 500 racist hate incidents were reported to police in the North during the last six months.

A total of 350 were recorded as offences.

PSNI superintendent Paula Hilman said: "Behind each of these statistics is a victim."

The PSNI launched a new video to coincide with Hate Crime Awareness Week.

The footage, which is narrated by a victim, tells of the personal impact of racial hate crime and discrimination and the shattering and distressing effect on her life.

It is Hate Crime Awareness Week. Listen to the #VOICE of a victim of racism.https://t.co/Dl01aGf26n

— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) October 10, 2016

Police received reports of 563 hate incidents with a racist motivation between April 1 and October 1.

Supt Hilman said: "We want people to stop, think and consider the impact their actions can have on individuals' lives.

"Racial hate crime, as all types of hate crime, is unwarranted and unacceptable. It can cause long lasting damage and there is absolutely no place for threats and intimidation in Northern Ireland."

She added: "As a society we have a duty to protect our more vulnerable communities. We have a responsibility to ensure that people from all backgrounds live in a society where they feel safe and accepted.

"I cannot emphasise enough how vital information and public support is to us in order to make arrests and obtain prosecutions."