Chief Superintendent Suk Verma said: “We work very closely with our Muslim communities here in Nottinghamshire to make sure that they are safe at all times, and that they always feel safe too.

“We recognise that Ramadan is such a special and important time and we support however we can so that this blessed, fulfilling, and rewarding period is experienced without fear or distress.

“As part of this we are actively engaging with mosques and their leaders across the county to let them know that we are here for them if they need us or have any concerns, no matter how small.

“We will continue to police without fear or favour, in supporting our communities to be safe and welcoming for all, and I must warn that anyone who jeopardises this will be dealt with robustly. We take a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and any incidents of this nature will not be tolerated.

“I would like to wish Ramadan Mubarak to all taking part, including some of our own officers who are themselves participating.”

If you are a victim of a hate crime, know someone who has been or witness a hate crime yourself, please contact 101 or make a report online at www.nottinghamshire.police.uk. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Ramadan explained

The holy month of Ramadan started on 22 March and the festival of Eid will mark its end on around 23 April.

Fasting during Ramadan allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith and money saved on food is donated to charity for good causes.

Ramadan is a time for prayer, good deeds, spending time with family and helping those in need.