Police appeal in H’boro hate mail probe

POLICE investigating sick hate mail sent to Liverpool FC fans have asked for any other victims to get in touch.

As reported in last week’s Advertiser, at least two supporters in the Ormskirk area received vile letters through the post containing photos from the Hillsborough disaster.

The letters contained the messages “DIE SCOUSE B ****** S! DIE!” and “F*** OFF BACK TO LIVERPOOL” as well as a hand drawn smiley face alongside a caption reading “HA HA HA”.

The victims included 59-year-old Carl Edwards, who was inside the stadium on the day of the disaster, and Aughton residents Sean and Helen Flaherty, and were seemingly targeted because they displayed Liverpool flags outside their homes.

Mr Edwards said he felt obliged to report the matter to the police and added: “This is not about football, this is a hate crime.

“Whoever it is has taken the time to drive past my house, and then gone home, looked up my address, printed off the pictures and sent it in the post.

“I cannot understand how anyone could laugh at that.”

Lancashire police last week confirmed they were investigating the matter and is now asking anyone with information to come forward.

The force said: “We are currently investigating a number of reports of Malicious communications within our community. Letters relating to the Hillsborough tragedy have been received by residents in Ormskirk and surrounding areas which have cause a lot of upset and distress.”

Anyone who received one of the letters or has any information relating to them should contact 6689@ lancashire.pnn.police.uk