POLICE have warned people to be aware of a 'threatening and extremely disturbing' letter which is being sent to residents in the Accrington area.

The letter, which claims to be from a psychic, warns that someone is seeking to harm the recipient by doing 'something extremely bad' and could succeed in the next two weeks.

It then offers protection to the recipient by warding off threats and breaking a chain of bad luck if a cheque for £23 is sent to an address in Switzerland.

The letter also offers the revelation of seven winning numbers which could win a large sum of money.

Sergeant Claire Holbrook, of Accrington police, said: "One local resident who received the letter found it to be threatening and extremely disturbing and has quite rightly not sent any money to the organisation.

"I would suggest that anybody who receive the letter should seriously consider taking the same action."

The letter, signed Zoltana, includes a P.S. which says: "I have just had an even clearer vision about you.

"The danger is now imminent: the person who wishes you ill is planning to act very quickly."

Sergeant Holbrook said: "This woman has been left frightened by this and residents must be made aware of the dangers of sending money in the post to such people.

"The police have nothing at this stage to say whether these letters are genuine in origin however as the letters appear to be targeting the elderly and residents who are in a vulnerable position.

"We can only advise that they should not send money to any agency unless they can verify their authenticity.

"The letter appears to be aimed at causing the recipient fear of pending bad luck should they not send money.

"It is highly unlikely that such statements will be factual and should be treated as such by the recipient."