Swindon's Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson has said the murder of Stephen Lawrence has led to positive changes.

Writing on the 26th anniversary of the teenager's death, which has become, now a national day of commemoration, Mr Macpherson said: "Often in life it takes a tragedy to make a change - it's a sad state of affairs but usually it takes a major event in the world for something to shift.

"I believe this is the case with Stephen Lawrence, the young black teenager who was stabbed to death in a racist attack in London 26 years ago - 22nd April 1993."

Mr Macpherson says the report into the case has had widespread effects: "Reflecting on this anniversary Met Commissioner Cressida Dick said that it was the best thing to have happened to her organisation because it forced them to make drastic changes in how they reach out to all ethnic minorities.

"But the finding didn't just sit with the Met Police, many institutions, beyond policing, have taken time to reflect of the findings.

"In Wiltshire and Swindon, the police service is working hard to ensure it is inclusive.

"Last week the force launched its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy recognising that it's not perfect but good work is being done.

"Also, this week sees the launch of Wiltshire Police's Hate Crime Awareness Campaign - encouraging the public to report this type of offensive illegal behaviour.

"The only way to make a change is to learn from the past; and let us hope we do so a tragedy like Stephen Lawrence's can never ever happen again."