THE number of anti-semitic hate crimes reported to police has dropped in Cheshire, police figures reveal.

This is despite a number of the largest forces in the country recording rising numbers of offences against Jewish people and property.

Data obtained by the Press Association shows that there was three reports in 2013 in Cheshire compared to two incidents in 2014.

In London the total more than doubled in a year, while there were also increases in Greater Manchester, Merseyside, West Midlands and West Yorkshire.

Figures supplied by the Metropolitan Police under Freedom of Information laws showed the force recorded a total of 193 anti-semitic crimes in 2013/14.

The number jumped by 137 per cent in 2014/15 to 459.

Crimes included assault, harassment, arson and criminal damage.

Home Secretary Theresa May said anti-semitism has 'absolutely no place in Britain'.

She said: "Those who seek to spread anti-semitic hatred should know that the Government will act against all those who seek to divide our country and sow discord."

Police were asked to provide figures on the number of crimes involving anti-semitism in the most recent two year periods available.

Several recorded small numbers of offences in both years, with the figures showing a minor rise or fall, or in some cases, remaining steady.