ANONYMOUS letters telling people they are living near a paedophile have been sent to addresses in Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

Police want anyone who receives a letter to contact them and handle it as little as they can so it can be examined forensically.

The letters - which all make false allegations - have been sent by animal rights activists belonging to a group called SHAC who are targeting companies and individuals.

The letters are being investigated under the Malicious Communications Act and are being taken seriously.

Cheshire Police are co-ordinating the inquiry and are asking anyone who receives such a letter to call 01244-350000.

Anyone who may know who is sending the letters should call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.