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A woman from Hull has accused a man of 'transphobic behaviour' which she says could scupper her chances of a modelling career.

Transgender woman Ria Cooper, 25, says she has contacted police after a series of messages were sent to her over Whatsapp by a photographer who promised to help promote her career.

The west Hull woman, who became Britain's youngest transgender woman at the age of 15, claims the man suddenly stopped all contact after discovering she was trans.

She says the man made contact after she began sending links to her fans on social media of her new glamour modelling portfolio.

During the conversation, the man said the glamour industry was small and "everyone was family" after bluntly proclaiming he couldn't work with her because she "had a c***".

"This is absolutely f****** disgusting behaviour," said Ria.

(Image: Ria Cooper)

"No one should be treated like this - this is discriminating and appalling behaviour.

"This man messaged me saying he wanted to take my picture, have sex with me and film it to make money and then once he found out I was trans he stopped all contact with me.

"I am reporting this as a hate crime. It's like calling someone who is black the 'N' word. I doesn't matter if I have c*** or not. The pictures should be judged as they are.

"It says on my social media profile that I am a ladyboy, I didn't ever say that I wasn't and I thought he knew.

"I want to be a glamour model and a porn star - that's what I want to do. I don't think I should be treated like this."

In a series of exchanges over Whatsapp, the man said that Ria wouldn't be accepted into Playboy magazine due to the fact she is transgender.

The man said in the message: 'Why don't you send one of yours, my friend just told me - sorry Playboy won't accept that.'

In her reply, Ria asked exactly what the man meant by his comments.

He wrote back: "You have a c***".

The man went on to claim that Ria had never "mentioned it [she was transgender] before".

The comment angered Ria so much that she has contacted the police and believes the hate crime and transphobia needs to be taken more seriously.

Asked about the comments, Ria added: "I just think those comments could easily make someone commit suicide. It is so bad that I have gone to the police."

Humberside Police has confirmed officers are currently investigating the allegation.

A spokeswoman for the force said: "We received a report of a hate incident yesterday, on Wednesday, October 16. The report has been logged and will be investigated."

Follow all the latest news by Tom Kershaw Tom Kershaw is a senior reporter for Hull Live and the Hull Daily Mail. He is currently covering breaking news in Hull and East Yorkshire. You can follow all the latest stories on his Facebook page here, his Twitter page here or on the Hull Live website here. You can also call him on 01482 315266, or email him: thomas.kershaw@reachplc.com.

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