Merton Council is supporting the safety pin campaign which has launched on social media today.

Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Engagement and Equalities, Councillor Edith Macauley, and council leader Stephen Alambritis, left.

Members of staff and councillors in the Civic Centre in Morden have joined the thousands of people across the UK who have attached plain silver safety pins to their clothes today to show solidarity against racism, and let any potential victims know the wearer is friendly.

Twitter user @Cheeahs, an American woman living in London, started the initiative following the UK’s vote to leave the EU last week.

The council issued a joint statement from Merton Council Leader Councillor Stephen Alambritis and Acting Borough Commander of Merton Police Steve Wallace today.

Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Engagement and Equalities, Councillor Edith Macauley said: “We live in a diverse society and we will not tolerate any kind of hate crime in our community.

“We are working very closely with Merton Police and other agencies to reassure residents that we are taking the necessary action to combat this type of crime.

“The safety pin is a simple and effective way to show solidarity with victims and spread a message of tolerance and togetherness.”