A WINCHESTER theatre company has teamed up with Hampshire Police to crackdown on hate crime against disabled people.

Officers teamed up with Blue Apple Theatre to create a film which they hope will encourage more people to report incidents to police.

The film, Paul's Story, was commissioned by the Home Office and follows a man with Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of Autism, who is suffering from abuse and prejudice from his community.

It premieres on Saturday (June 1), at the Everyman Theatre in Southgate Street, after which it will continue to be used as a training tool for the police.

Around 100 people from across Hampshire took part in the production, including police officers and actors.

Superintendent James Fulton said: “It's not always easy to recognise abuse of this nature when it's happening or to have the confidence to come forward and report it when you do. If you are able to tell someone - the police, a friend, a carer - then there are many things we in the police can do to resolve the problems, prevent them from happening again and help you get the support you need.”