AN 88-year-old Whitefield widow was distressed to receive a letter inviting her to wife swapping parties.

And the police became involved when the equally distressed couple, whose address was on the letter, began receiving replies.

Now Whitefield police are trying to identify the writer of the letter who, they believe has committed a public order offence of harassment by letter.

"The matter has been reported to us and it does appear to be a malicious hoax," said Det Insp Keith Dillon .

The widow's daughter, who wished not to be identified, said: "My mother was upset to receive the letter and gave it to me to pass to the police.

"It is disgusting and if it is a hoax it is in extremely bad taste."

The letter suggested "games" that couples tired with their partners could play at "our pleasant semi-detached home in Whitefield, just one minute from the M62 and M66 motorways."

The lady of the house, whose address and husband's name are on the letter, had no comment to make apart from telling a reporter that the matter had been passed on to Whitefield police.

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