LONDON, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Liverpool's city and university leaders issued a joint statement on Friday supporting the region's Chinese population amid verbal attacks on the community in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The statement, released following reports of verbal abuse, was signed by Liverpool's city and regional mayors, as well as vice-chancellors of Liverpool's three universities.

The leaders said in the statement that they were "shocked and saddened" to have received reports of verbal abuse toward members of the Chinese community.

"Whilst these reports remain isolated, we are absolutely clear that one incident is one too many. Racism, discrimination and intolerance have absolutely no place in our region or our universities," the statement said.

"Liverpool's Chinese community is one of the largest and oldest in Europe and our Chinese residents and students are an integral part of our communities. Together, we are neighbors, colleagues and friends," it said.

Noting that the vast majority of residents, staff and students are already standing together in solidarity with the Chinese community, the leaders called on others to do the same.

"We know that this is a worrying time for us all but, when many are concerned for the health of family, friends and loved ones in China, our support is more important than ever before," it said.