NORTH Yorkshire Police are treating offensive letters sent to two families in York as hate crimes.

One victim shared a picture of the letter, which asks the recipient to go back to “wherever you come from”, on Twitter and said it was upsetting to receive.

Police say the letters, which contain racist content, were sent to two families in the Clifton Moor area.

Inspector Andy Godfrey said: “Targeting hate at a person because of their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender is a crime which can have a devastating impact upon individuals and whole neighbourhoods, and will not to be tolerated in North Yorkshire.

“We understand that these letters in York have caused concern and we want to assure those affected, and those in the wider community, that we are taking this matter very seriously and are determined to find who is responsible for sending them.”

Councillor Darryl Smalley, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure & Communities at City of York Council, said:

“This is unacceptable in York or anywhere else, and we’re horrified to see this.

"This is not in the spirit of York, which staunchly welcomes and appreciates the contributions to the city of all who have chosen to make York home.

"My heart goes out to those receiving such hateful mail and I am glad to see that they are being reported to North Yorkshire Police.

Anyone receiving letters like these, or experiencing any other hate crime, should report it to the police who can also offer support.”

If you have any information that could assist the investigation, including if you have received a similar letter, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101 or email Ruth.Atkins@northyorkshire.police.uk

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.