REFUSE inspectors have received death threats following the launch of a litter clampdown in Brighton.

Police have been called in after one council employee received a letter warning him his wife "would soon be a widow."

Brighton and Hove Council is taking the threats seriously, but the inspectors are continuing to work as normal.

The threats, made up from letters cut from newspapers, have been sent to two inspectors.

Police are investigating the possibility that the letters have been posted by disgruntled businesses or residents upset at the action the council is taking to clear rubbish from the streets.

Hundreds of traders have been sent warning letters by the council, and some have been prosecuted and fined.

It is thought the letters were sent to the inspectors' home addresses.

The inspectors are responsible for reporting people leaving litter in the streets.

Alan McCarthy, the council's director of director of environmental services, said: "We can confirm that members of our staff have received threatening letters.

"We will take whatever steps are necessary to protect our staff."

A spokesman for Sussex Police said the inspectors were "obviously concerned" about the letters.

He added: "We are trying to trace the source of the letters.

"Letters with threats to kill are a criminal offence and carry a maximum sentence of ten years.

"Offensive language was also used in these cases.

"We urge any other inspectors who have received similar threats to report them so we can investigate."

The council has recently initiated a successful crackdown on fly tippers and persistent offenders.

It was initiated following growing concern about piles of rubbish littering the streets.

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