A BOGUS letter warning people about a mythical centre to hold law-breaking refugees has been circulating in the Chester-le-Street area.

Police are urging people to bin the letter, from an agency calling itself the International Bureau for Offending Refugees, after they received complaints from four members of the public.

The letter has been sent to homes in the Sacriston area, and claims that plans are afoot to "build a secure unit for offending overseas youths up to the age of 20 years".

It even claims building work is scheduled to start next to John Street, Sacriston, in September.

The letter, which police warn could stir up racial tension, says detailed plans for the proposed centre are available at a cost of £24.99, which should be sent as a cheque in a self-addressed envelope to the IBOR Sacriston Project.

The letter finishes by saying that queries cannot be answered by post or telephone, but a public meeting is due to be held later in the summer.

Police in Chester-le-Street have pointed out that the letters are fake, there are no plans for any such centre for refugees, whether they are criminals or not, and the telephone number listed does not answer calls.

Officers are also concerned the contents might stir up feelings towards refugees.

Sergeant Max Newby, of Durham and Chester-le-Street division, said: "On no account should anyone receiving the letter part with any money.

"This is nothing but a scam, pure and simple. The organisation is not one that anyone has heard of, and there are no plans for any building for refugees in John Street, or anywhere else in Sacriston for that matter.

"We are making inquiries to trace the sender of this letter, but in the meantime, if anyone else receives it they should throw it in the bin."

Last year, residents in neighbouring Derwentside reported receiving a racist letter telling them they had to look after an Indian family. That was also revealed to be bogus by the district council and police.