VICTIMS of racist attacks no longer need to suffer in silence - they can now report incidents confidentially by post.

People subjected to racial abuse in Tyne and Wear can now use a free postage self-sealing tear-off strip to report attacks, without visiting a police station.

The one-stop mechanism for passing on details of racist incidents has been reproduced in 12 languages, including English, and is available at community centres, council offices, libraries and shops in the Northumbria Police area.

Information received should help police draw up a more accurate picture of racist incidents in the region so they can deal with it more effectively.

Chief Constable Crispian Strachan said: "This initiative is about removing some of the barriers which make it difficult or impossible for people to talk to us directly.

"There is no need for anyone to suffer in silence. People should tell us what is happening and we can help," he said.

He will discuss the forms with ethnic minority and other community leaders in the council chamber at Gateshead Civic Centre, tomorrow, from 10.30am to noon.