This UK Village Residents Receive Series Of Disturbing Anonymous Letters – News18

An East Yorkshire village named Shiptonthorpe, UK has been facing difficulties after an array of disturbing anonymous letters have terrorised residents. As per The Mirror, this situation has prompted a police probe. This turmoil in the village has continued in Shiptonthorpe, home to around 500 people, over the last two years.

An unknown author’s messages, described as vulgar and personal, obscene and targeted are found in the letterboxes. The Mirror reports that Humberside Police are now investigating this peculiar case of the poison pen letters.

A local lady, who chose to be called Sophie for security reasons, recalled her shock upon receiving one such letter in December 2022. At the time, she was working as a ward councillor and was horrified by the contents of the letter. Sophie talked to the BBC about it. According to her, “It was accusing me of what you could call being a loose woman,” she said. “It said the only way I would ever get anywhere within politics would be if I was to perform unspeakable things to men.” The nasty writer also added in the letter that Sophie should be “turned out on the Beverley Westwood pasture with the rest of the cows”.

Humberside Police confirmed to the BBC that they were informed about the offensive letter. A spokesperson for the force stated that inquiries were carried out at the time, including reviewing the CCTV cameras. The spokesperson, however, added that the contents of the alleged letter were unavailable. Hence, he said that no further investigative opportunities could be obtained.

The Humberside Police later mentioned that they had provided Sophie with safety advice. They noted that she had received three additional letters since the initial incident. Apart from Sophie, other villagers have also received unsettling notes, ie- the spiteful writer wishing cancer for one villager. This anonymous writing campaign has pushed many people to leave the village.

This incident is reminiscent of the notorious Littlehampton saga of 1920. In that incident, scandalous notes sent to residents led to widespread unrest. This story is now turned into the 2023 British film Wicked Little Letters. Thea Sharrock directed this film, which starred Jessie Buckley, Olivia Colman, Gemma Jones, and others in the ensemble cast.