BASILDON Council is reassuring residents that it has zero tolerance to hate crimes following an incident in the town.

A Muslim woman had her car set alight on June 7 in Crosse Court in what is being treated as a hate crime by police.

Councillor Gavin Callaghan, Basildon Council’s chairman of the policy and resources committee, said: “Following the reported arson attack on a Muslim woman’s car, representatives from the Basildon Hate Crime Panel have been working very closely with the victim to provide her with support and advice.

“The panel has also been working closely with the police, who have undertaken the investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

“Basildon Council has a zero tolerance policy on hate crime and condemns this behaviour in our community.

“We will continue to work with the police and our partners through the Hate Crime Panel to effectively tackle hate crime and ensure the safety of local people.”