AROUND 200 years ago, adults and children used to visit London’s Bedlam asylum at weekends to taunt and poke fun at people with mental or physical disabilities.

Today the idea of such outings is, rightly, absolutely abhorrent.

We live in a far more civilised society. . .or do we?

The revelation that almost half the disabled victims of crime questioned in a Lancashire police survey said they felt they had been targeted because they were disabled is very disturbing.

Almost a third said they had experienced an incident in the past six months which involved verbal attacks including threats and intimidation.

Most of the offenders were said to be groups of strangers, with 16 to 24-year-olds being considered the most threatening.

It is appalling that people who already have a lot more than most to deal with in life because of their disabilities should also be subjected to such outrageous behaviour.

Police and the courts should give exemplary punishments to emphasise that in the 21st century these crimes will not be tolerated.

And the parents of those young people who act in this manner should hang their heads in shame too.