ROSSENDALE police have paid a special tribute to Sophie Lancaster as part of national hate crime awareness week.

Haslingden's Sophie Lancaster and her boyfriend Robert Maltby, were attacked 10 years ago by a gang of teenagers in Stubbylee Park, Bacup, because they they took exception to her Goth clothing.

Rossendale Police paid tribute to the 20-year-old student who died from her injuries at the park.

Insp David Clarke and Suptintendent Justin Srivastava held up a picture of Sophie outside the gates to the park.

Taking to Facebook the senior officers said: “As part of national hate crime awareness week we remember Sophie Lancaster who was murdered in this park in Bacup 10 years ago.

“Sophie and her boyfriend Robert were attacked for nothing more than looking different.

“#WeStandTogether.”