At least seven people in the Epping Forest area have received letters threatening their family with kidnap and demanding ransom cash.

Handwritten notes posted to residents via Royal Mail claim the person reading the letter or their wider family has been targeted for kidnap.

A five-figure sum is demanded in order to prevent a “kidnap” from taking place with the note stating that this will rise to a six-figure sum, should there be a delay in payment.

The letters also give instructions to create a Gumtree post or send a response to a mobile phone number.

The letters were reported by five residents in Chigwell, one in Loughton and another in Buckhurst Hill between October 15, and October 30.

Police say the letters are a scam and those receiving them are not being specifically targeted.

DC Clive Singer at Loughton CID, said: “These letters are generic, and do not target individuals, however to receive something like this through the post is very unpleasant, and ultimately, the objective is to steal money from innocent people.

“We want to reassure people that this is a scam and that there is no cause for concern in relation to the personal safety of residents.

“The letters are not targeted and there is nothing to suggest that the sender has any personal information.

“Rest assured that we are investigating this scam thoroughly, and would ask that if people receive a similar letter, that they avoid handling it to preserve forensic opportunities.”

  • Anyone with information on the letters is asked to contact Essex Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111