POLICE have moved to reassure people in Herefordshire about letters threatening harm to Muslims, and are mounting extra patrols in the force area.

Letters encouraging recipients to take part in "Punish a Muslim Day" are said to have been sent to addresses across the country.

Pictures of the letters, which contain a list of violent acts, have been widely shared online.

West Mercia Police say they are treating the matter extremely seriously.

Investigation into the incidents is being co-ordinated by the North East Counter Terrorism Unit (NECTU), working closely with police across the UK.

Communities around the West Mercia area, which includes Shropshire and Worcestershire, may see extra patrols in their neighbourhoods as our police seek to provide extra reassurance.

Chief Superintendent Charles Hill said: "Tackling hate crime, no matter at whom it is targeted, is a priority for us and we seek to engage closely with members of those communities affected.

"We know that on a national and local level hate crimes are underreported.

"We are committed to ensuring all victims – no matter what religion, culture, or ethnicity they identify with – have the confidence to come forward and report any incidents or crimes.

"Those who commit hate crimes target people simply because of who they are.

"Often, the victims of hate crime are some of the most vulnerable members of our society and the impact can have a serious impact on both the individual and the wider community.

"We guarantee we will carry out a thorough investigation into every reported hate crime. We will also ensure safeguarding is in place to look after victims.

"Hate crime in any form will not be tolerated by West Mercia Police."

Jatinder Birdi, chair of our Strategic Independent Advisory Groups, said: "The current climate is very concerning for many people, and we all need to stay vigilant and report any incidents to the police.

"Hate crime of any description is not acceptable in our community."

For more information about hate crime visit www.westmercia.police.uk/hate-crime.

To report a hate crime in an emergency – if the incident is in progress – phone 999.

For non-emergencies phone 101. Report online at www.report-it.org.uk.