Hate crimes against Muslims soared across Britain in 2013 with around 1,000 incidents recorded.

And there are fears the figure could be much higher because many police forces do not record the religion of hate crime victims.

A surge in attacks was reported following the murder on May 22 of Lee Rigby by two Islamic extremists in Woolwich, south-east London.

After the murder the Metropolitan Police - Britain's biggest force - recorded 104 anti-Muslim hate crimes in May, followed by another 108 in June.

Scotland Yard recorded 500 Islamophobic offences from January to mid-November this year, compared with 336 offences in 2012 and 318 in 2011.

A similar picture emerged across the country with increased numbers of anti-Muslim hate crimes reported by police in Greater Manchester, Kent, Leicestershire, Thames Valley, Cheshire, Merseyside, West Yorkshire, Humberside, Nottinghamshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Essex and Gloucestershire.

Hate-crime watchdog Faith Matters director Fiyaz Mujhal said: "Far-right groups, particularly the EDL (English Defence League) perniciously use the internet and social media to promote vast amounts of online hate."

He called for the prosecution of people responsible for online messages of hate.

Anti-fascist group Searchlight director Gerry Gable criticised "the growth of news stories and articles day after day in the national media and local press that exaggerate the threat being posed by a small minority of Muslims in this country.

"It must be nearly a decade ago I gave evidence to the parliamentary home affairs committee suggesting they drag in those who own and direct the content of the media and are responsible for the constant attacks on all Muslims," said Mr Gable.

"The Metropolitan Police appear to be far better at monitoring religious as well as racial attacks, but this is clearly not uniform across the country."

He said the Home Office should instruct all police forces to record the "religious element" of hate crimes.

Mr Gable welcomed signs that courts are imposing heavier sentences for hate crimes.

Labour shadow Home Office minister Helen Jones said: "These figures show the need for greater vigilance and determination in stopping hate crimes.

"No-one should fear violence, crime or hostility because of their race, religion or sexuality.

"The police, working with local communities, need to do everything possible to catch those responsible for hate crime."