Detectives have taken the unusual step of releasing handwriting samples, including a distinctive signature, to try to catch a stalker.

Over the last six years a person signing off as “Gordon” has been sending disturbing letters to a Bristol woman in her 40s.

The cards have been sent over six years but have become more graphic and threatening over the past two, including rape threats. The victim contacted police in January 2016.

Police say the offender is sending the cards from the Bristol postcode area. They are usually signed “Gordon” with five “kiss” crosses (one large X and four small Xs around it). The cards often have an animal on the front, frequently a cat.

DC Patrick Prescott, the lead officer on the case, said: “We’re releasing extracts of the offender’s handwriting and signature as we believe someone will recognise the style and know who the sender is. The content is becoming increasingly sexually explicit and aggressive in nature and includes threats to commit rape and stalking offences.”

Officers have been working with a criminal profiler at the National Crime Agency. Prescott said: “Thorough analysis of the communications has been carried out and the possibility the offender has sent, or is sending cards or letters with similar content to other people cannot be excluded. If you have been receiving similar correspondence then we want to hear from you.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest The letters are signed ‘Gordon’ Photograph: Avon and Somerset police

“You may recognise one or more of the characteristics but can’t believe the person you have in mind would commit offences like this. It could be a colleague, friend or even a family member. We’d ask you to please report any concerns or suspicions to help us make this stop.”

The woman who has been receiving the cards said: “This has been going on for so long – someone out there must know who it is. Whether it’s the distinctive crosses, the handwriting or the name they call themselves, if you recognise anything that could help the police, please let them know.”

Police ask anyone who can help to call 101 and and use the reference number 5216008248 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.

