FOOTBALL was a uniting force as teams came together to raise awareness of hate crime.

Teams from Gwent Police, Gwent Police Ladies, Gwent Police Cadets, Torfaen County Borough Council, Newport County in the Community, JUBA and a range of teams made up of local residents all took part.

The event, which took place on Sunday at the Gol Centre in Lliswerry on Sunday, was in support of Hate Crime Awareness Week, which runs until October 21 .

Gwent Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner kicked off a week of activity in support of Hate Crime Awareness Week with a 5 a side football tournament at the Gol Centre in Lliswerry on Sunday.

Entertainment on the day, aside from the tournament, was provided by the Football Association of Wales, the Newport Gwent Dragons who hosted beatball sessions, rugby skills workshops and multi-sports sessions.

Gwent Police took home the Commissioner’s Cup whilst team JUBA, a team of individuals supported by SEWREC and the Zimbabwe Association, won the Community Cohesion Shield.

Gwent Police Hate Crime Lead, Chief Superintendent Mark Warrender said: “It was great to see such a fantastic turnout at our first event this year in support of Hate Crime Awareness Week.

“Gwent Police has a zero tolerance approach to hate crime: it can destroy lives; instil fear and break down the fabric of communities and neighbourhoods.

"Hate crime can affect anyone and, if not tackled, can lead to the isolation and victimisation of individuals and vulnerable groups along with the polarisation of communities.

“We have experienced an increase in hate crime in recent months. This is common in the wake of terrible events such as those witnessed recently in London and Manchester.

"We wish to stress that abuse or violence against individuals or groups because of who they are, whether physical or verbal, is a criminal offence which the police take very seriously and will investigate thoroughly.

“We know hate crime and incidents are under reported and would encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed a hate crime or incident to report it to Gwent Police on 101 or via the online reporting site True Vision www.report-it.org.uk.

"Members of the public can also report incidents in confidence to Victim Support on www.reporthate.victimsupport.org.uk or 0300 303 1982.”

A family event will close the week at the Riverfront Theatre on Saturday between 12pm and 5pm.

There will be a cultural café, theatre production, showcases from a range of Gwent acts and more.