RESIDENTS who received a letter threatening to falsely oust them as a paedophile unless they parted with digital currency have been told not to panic by police.

Police said 11 people from High Wycombe, Bourne End, Hedgerley and Maidenhead had reported receiving the vicious letter through their door.

The note demands the recipient buys two Bitcoins – digital currency – and deposits it into an account within 72 hours.

If the homeowner fails to do so, the neighbourhood would be “told about your love for young boys”.

The chilling letter states: “We will spread this rumour at your local school which will result in you, your family and your home becoming the target of attacks and vandalism.

“Whether the rumours are true or not does not matter in the slightest. You know what people will think one we put the idea inside their heads? No smoke without fire.”

The sender claims they have carefully targeted the recipient, before signing off with: “If you tell anyone else about this letter or its contents, for example the police, we will go ahead with the action and your family will go through hell.”

Police are investigating and believe all eleven letters could be linked.

Officers have urged recipients to try to keep their hands off the letter where possible so it can be examined and contact police immediately.

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.

“Some people may simply discard letters like this when they receive them but for others it can be very distressing.

“This is a clear attempt at blackmail and we need to gather all the information we can to aid our investigation and trace the offenders behind these nasty letters.

Contact police on the 101 enquiry line or, if you do not wish to speak to the police, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.

Below is a copy of the letter, supplied by Thames Valley Police.

Bucks Free Press: Police tell recipients of 'nasty' Bitcoin blackmail letter not to panic