ANIMAL rights extremists have sent a flurry of hate-mail to people associated with medical research in South Buckinghamshire, falsely accusing them of a variety of criminal and sexual offences.

Thames Valley Police's, Det Sgt Steve Convey, said: "The public can be assured these allegations are completely false.

"The letters are being investigated as part of a malicious intimidation campaign against those associated with the medical research industry."

He said police are taking the allegations seriously. Letters are being investigated under the Malicious Communications Act.

Det Sgt Convey added: "If anyone receives a letter, or any other type of communication making allegations against individuals, I would urge them to report it to their local police force."

"This ordeal is very distressing for the victims of these crimes and their families.

"They and the public can be confident that the police will do everything within their power to bring to justice the minority of activists intent on committing crime to further their cause."