HATE crime victims are being urged to report attacks to staff at Scotland’s busiest train station.

Workers at Glasgow's Central Station have been trained to take statements after the station became a third party reporting centre.

With the victim's permission, information about the attack can be passed to Police Scotland or British Transport Police.

Mark Ilderton, Network Rail station manager for Glasgow Central, said: "Many of our customer service team have now been trained to assist victims in submitting a report to the police, or we can also do so on their behalf.

"We’re proud to be able to offer our support to this worthwhile initiative."

It comes as Hate Crime Awareness Week gets underway in Glasgow.

The campaign aims to tackle under-reporting and encourage victims to speak out.

Posters will be displayed on public transport, including at Central Station and on social media.

Councillor Fariha Thomas, from Glasgow’s Hate Crime Working Group, said: "Obviously work to tackle hate crime goes on in the city all year round but a special week such as this helps raise public awareness."

Inspector Lynda Lang, from British Transport Police (BTP) said: "Hate crime in any form is totally unacceptable in our society.

"BTP works closely with our rail industry and other partners to ensure the rail network is free from such despicable behaviour.

"BTP takes hate crime seriously and the establishment of the third party reporting facility at Glasgow Central Station is a welcome development."

Glasgow now has more than 60 third party reporting centres including housing associations, Glasgow Disability Alliance and Glasgow Asylum and Refugee Service.

Sergeant Graeme Stirling said: "Police Scotland realises the importance of making it as easy and straight-forward as possible for people to report hate crimes.

"Third party reporting is a vital part of that process and one where Police Scotland and partners are supporting victims in the community."