Officers to undergo hate crime training in shake-up

Mr San died last August after an attack by a gang as he parked outside his family’s takeaway.

An internal inquiry has now found “significant failings” in the police’s repeated denials that the killing was racist.

Deputy Chief Constable Steve Allen repeatedly apologised for the force’s failings. He said: “There is no doubt that Simon’s family have not had the service from my force that we would hope to give any family or any victim of crime.

Addressing the family directly, he said: “I am sorry that we did not listen to you when you told us you thought the attack was racially motivated.

“I am sorry we did not treat you in a way that made you feel like you mattered to us.

“I am sorry that we did not record and investigate the attack on Simon as a racist incident when we should have done so.”

Yesterday it was revealed every Lothian and Borders officer is to undergo training to help them recognise hate crimes.

The probe highlighted an “apparent misconception” regarding the difference between the “evidence” and “perception” of a racist motive.

Guidelines set out that officers have to “ascertain the perception of victims and witnesses as to the motive for the crime”.

Presently, asking a member of an ethnic minority if they believe a crime against them was motivated by racism is considered “leading” and not recommended, but the inquiry recommended this be reassessed.