Paedophile rumour threats made in blackmail letters Published duration 7 June 2014

Blackmail letters which threaten to spread rumours about people being paedophiles are being investigated by police.

The threats have been sent in the post to four people in Maidenhead and two in High Wycombe, police said.

The letters demand the buying of bitcoins, an internet currency, from a specific account.

They threaten that if the recipient does not do so then rumours will be spread about them being a paedophile.

The Thames Valley force is appealing for information about the letters, which officers believe are linked.

Det Sgt Peter Wall said: "Do not be alarmed if you receive a letter like this. Our advice is to try not to touch the letter too much so that it can be preserved for forensic examination and then call 101.

"Do not respond to the letter or purchase any of the bitcoins.