THE first episode of series 4 of 999 What's Your Emergency on Monday night highlighted the growing number of race hate crimes that are being dealt with by Wiltshire Police but did little for the image of Swindon.

Many viewers took to social media during and after the 9pm show on Channel 4, which focussed on Swindon, to express embarrassment about the way their home town or county was featured and others were left aghast at what they saw.

One of the most tweeted about remarks was when one suspect was questioned by police for being racist said: "No my dog is black."

Swindon did not come out of the show well with many people commenting on the poor image that emerged.

One tweeted: "999 what's your emergency, showing the world how much of a dive Swindon really is."

While another said: "So embarrassing coming from the same town as some of these people on 999 what's your emergency."

A third added: "What's your emergency is set in Swindon this time. Am I going to be more ashamed to be from here? I think so."

While another was sure what to expect before the programme even aired saying: "Has Wiltshire on it ha let's see what cretins show up on it then."

Others were more concerned about the racist abuse itself. One tweeted: "As if this b**** on 999: what's your emergency is saying racism is natural and everyone has a bit in them, um don't think so hunny."

Another added: "Can't quite believe the racism that still exists in this country. Makes me sad man."

But the last word was left to Wiltshire Police who tweeted: "You can't hide from us if you['re] spewing abuse from behind a computer screen. Our boys & gals in blue will find you."